Overview

Magic is a subject of enduring fascination, spanning cultures, time periods, and disciplines. This module delves into the material culture associated with magical and ritual practices from prehistory to the present day. By focusing on material culture, the module situates its approach within the framework of archaeology, drawing upon theoretical and practical methodologies developed in the humanities and social sciences over the past 25 years.

The module begins by addressing the contested terminologies of “magic” and “ritual” and establishing a framework for confidently analysing their material remains. Starting with prehistoric Europe, we will investigate the significance of magic and ritual in the deep past. The origins of Western magical traditions will be traced through the ancient world, examining their adoption and transformation within Christian and Jewish contexts. The module then explores the evolution of magical practices, from medieval and early modern grimoires to the establishment of magical lodges in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Finally, it examines the reinvention of magic in the 20th and 21st centuries, encompassing movements such as Wicca and chaos magic.

Using case studies, this module highlights key themes and emphasizes the material culture of magical and ritual practices. Students will engage critically with a range of archaeological and historical evidence, gaining a nuanced understanding of how magic has been practiced, perceived, and represented throughout history.

This module provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with the fascinating intersection of archaeology, history, and the study of magical practices, fostering both critical thinking and interdisciplinary skills.

Below is an indicative thematic outline for the module:

1. Foundations of Magic and Ritual i. Overview of the module ii. Key terminologies: magic, ritual, and material culture iii. Historical and academic perspectives on magic

2: Theoretical Frameworks I The anthropology and archaeology of magic ii. Key methodologies for studying material culture iii. Challenges in defining and analysing magic

1. Magic in Prehistoric and Ancient Contexts i. Archaeological evidence of prehistoric magical practices ii. Role of objects: amulets, figurines, and ritual spaces iii. Magic in the Ancient World iv. Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and Greco-Roman magical traditions v. Magical texts, tools, and their functions v. Magic in Early Religious Contexts vi. Magic in Jewish and Christian traditions vii. Tensions between magic, religion, and heresy

2. Medieval and Early Modern Magical Practices i. Medieval Magic and Materiality ii. The role of grimoires and magical manuscripts iii. Magical artifacts: talismans, charms, and relics iv. Witchcraft, Curses, and Early Modern Rituals v. Material evidence from witchcraft trials vi. Cursed objects and apotropaic practices vii. Social and cultural perceptions of magic

3. Modern and Contemporary Magic i. 19th and 20th Century Magic ii. Revival of magical lodges: Golden Dawn, Theosophy, and Freemasonry iii. Evolution of magical tools and texts iv. Magic in the 20th Century v. Wicca, chaos magic, and the resurgence of ritual practices vi. The material culture of modern magical movements

4. Case Studies in Magical Material Culture i. Objects of Power ii. Analysis of specific magical artifacts and their cultural significance iii. Lifecycles of magical objects: creation, use, and discard iv. Magic Across Cultures v. Comparative analysis of non-Western magical practices vi. Global perspectives on ritual and materiality

5. Contemporary Themes and Debates i. The Legacy of Magic ii. How magic is represented in modern media and popular culture iii. Ethical considerations in studying and displaying magical artifacts vi. Review and Future Directions vii. Synthesis of key themes viii. The future of research on magic and material culture

Assessment Strategy

Threshold -Grade D- (42%) to D+ (48%): Submitted work demonstrates a generally accurate understanding of key concepts and attempts to apply concepts to new scenarios, but with room for improvement in the depth of analysis. A coherent argument is presented but with some gaps. Work demonstrates some limited engagement with the relevant literature. The work meets most of the requirements, but could be improved in terms of style and/or content.

Adequate -C- (52%) to C+ (58%): Submitted work demonstrates an accurate understanding of key concepts. And there has been an attempt to apply concepts to new scenarios, which is factually correct, but with room for improvement in the depth of analysis and criticality. A coherent argument is presented but with some minor gaps or scope for improvement in presentation style. Work demonstrates engagement with the relevant literature. Work meets the requirements, but could be improved in terms of style and/or content.

Good -Grade B- (62%) to B+ (68%): Submitted work demonstrates an accurate and at times critical, understanding of key concepts. There is success in applying concepts to new scenarios, but with room for improvement in the depth of analysis and criticality. A coherent argument is presented but with some minor gaps. Work shows good engagement with the relevant literature. Work meets most of the requirements, but could be improved in terms of style and/or content.

Excellent -Grade A- (74%) and above: Submitted work demonstrates well-developed, highly accurate and critical, understanding of key concepts. Concepts are successfully applied to new scenarios and logical and coherent argument is presented. Work shows extensive engagement with the relevant literature. All of the requirements are met and work is presented in a highly-developed style.

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to critically evaluate of the historical development of Western magical traditions.

• Analyze the material culture of magical practices across various historical periods

• Critically apply interdisciplinary methodologies to the study of magical material culture.

• Evaluate the role of magic in both historical and contemporary contexts.