NES 2546

NES 2546

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2021-2022.

This introductory course explores the roles of amulets, love potions, curse tablets, and many other magical practices in ancient Greek and Roman societies. In this course, you will learn how to invoke the powers of Abrasax, become successful and famous, get people to fall desperately in love with you, and cast horrible curses on your enemies! We will also examine a range of ancient and modern approaches to "magic" as a concept: what exactly do we mean by "magic," and how does it relate to other spheres of activity, like religion, science, and philosophy? When people (in ancient times or today) label the activities of others as "magic," what are the social and political consequences of that act? As we investigate the practices that Greeks and Romans considered "magical," we will also explore what those practices can teach us about many other aspects of life in the past, such as social class, gender, religion, and ethnic and cultural identity.

When Offered Spring.

Breadth Requirement (HB)
Distribution Category (CA-AS, HST-AS, SCD-AS)

View Enrollment Information

Syllabi:
  •   Regular Academic Session.  Choose one lecture and one discussion. Combined with: ANTHR 2846ARKEO 2846CLASS 2646

  • 4 Credits Stdnt Opt

  • 17281 NES 2546   LEC 001

    • MW Uris Hall 202
    • Jan 24 - May 10, 2022
    • Barrett, C

  • Instruction Mode: In Person
    Please contact Linda Brown (lmb296@cornell.edu) if you would like to be placed on the waiting list. Please include your netID, the cross-listing and discussion section you would like to enroll in, and your academic level in Fall 2021.

  • 17282 NES 2546   DIS 201

    • T Uris Hall G24
    • Jan 24 - May 10, 2022
    • Barrett, C

  • Instruction Mode: In Person

  • 17283 NES 2546   DIS 202

    • F Uris Hall G24
    • Jan 24 - May 10, 2022
    • Barrett, C

  • Instruction Mode: In Person