Magic in the European History of Religions: Texts and Traditions
The course looks at some of the most important magical texts and traditions that have flourished in Europe and the broader Mediterranean area from late antiquity to the present day.
The texts and traditions of European magic are discussed in their historical, religious, and social contexts, with a specific focus on 1) the transcultural encounters and transfers that magical texts bear witness to; and 2) the continuities and discontinuities in their reception and use that shed light on broader developments in the European history of religions. The various goals, techniques, material cultures, and experiential dimensions of magic are assessed, as well as their theological and philosophical interpretations.
The course has an emphasis on reading and interpreting primary sources in translation. Through primary and secondary sources, students will be acquainted with late-antique materials such as the Greek Magical Papyri and Neoplatonic theurgy; medieval materials such as the Picatrix and the Solomonic ritual magical tradition; Renaissance natural magic and occult philosophy; and modern occultist magical traditions that continue to the present day. Broader theoretical questions about the meanings and place of magic vis-à-vis- religion, science, philosophy, and culture will be interrogated throughout the course.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department- courses
If you have been admitted to a course at our department you will get an email from us with all the information you need concerning your participation. Please observe that you need to register to claim your place on the course.
Online registration will be open from 5 August to 18 August, 2024. At the same time we will send out emails with information to all admitted students. Make sure to check your inbox (and spam!) regularly.
Please follow these two steps to register for your course:
1) Activate your university account. The university account gives you access to IT services at Stockholm University and to necessary student information. Here you find information about how to activate your account.
2) Register for the course. To claim your place on the course you need to register. Registration is online (login with your university account).
If you encounter any problems, please contact you course administrator as soon as possible.
Course information such as syllabus, schedule, list of required readings, is available further down on this page.
Once you have registered you will have access to the course’s site in Athena, where you find more detailed course information. Log in with your university account.
Questions?
Please contact our course administrators: studentadministration@erg.su.se
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
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For new international students
The texts and traditions of European magic are discussed in their historical, religious, and social contexts, with a specific focus on 1) the transcultural encounters and transfers that magical texts bear witness to; and 2) the continuities and discontinuities in their reception and use that shed light on broader developments in the European history of religions. The various goals, techniques, material cultures, and experiential dimensions of magic are assessed, as well as their theological and philosophical interpretations.
The course has an emphasis on reading and interpreting primary sources in translation. Through primary and secondary sources, students will be acquainted with late-antique materials such as the Greek Magical Papyri and Neoplatonic theurgy; medieval materials such as the Picatrix and the Solomonic ritual magical tradition; Renaissance natural magic and occult philosophy; and modern occultist magical traditions that continue to the present day. Broader theoretical questions about the meanings and place of magic vis-à-vis- religion, science, philosophy, and culture will be interrogated throughout the course.
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Course structure
The course consists of one module, Magic in the European History of Religions, 7,5 credits.
Teaching format
Instruction is given in the form of lectures and seminars.
Instruction is given in the language specified for each respective course offering.
Instruction is either distance- or campus-based, as specified for each course offering.
Assessment
The course is examined on the basis of written examinations in the form of a take-home exam and assignment papers.
Examiner
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course. -
Course reports
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Contact
Egil Asprem, course coordinator: egil.asprem@rel.su.se
