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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "HS/RL 323 H"
COURSE NAME: "Late Antiquity: Magic, Ritual and Witchcraft- HONORS (This course carries 4 semester hours of credits. A minimum CUM GPA of 3.5 is required)"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Fabrizio Conti
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 7:30-8:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Co-requisites: EN 110; Recommended: Junior Standing, One previous history course
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

The period of Late Antiquity, between 200 CE and 600/700 CE, connects the classical times and the medieval age, laying the foundations for the construction of specific cultural, social and religious identities between Europe and the Mediterranean basin. These regions constitute an exclusive laboratory for analyzing and critically discussing processes of formation and the transmission of cults, rites, magical traditions and practices between different cultural and political environments. In the context of the evolution of the Roman State first, and then of its fragmentation, ancient magic traditions and ritual practices mixed with more recent ideas, questioning personal, social, and cultural identities and giving rise to new relational models. The birth of the concept of paganism, the emergence of ideal boundaries delimiting the licit and the illicit, the transmission, transformation and reuse of magical objects and rituals, astrological knowledge, as well as mystery cults, make the late antique period a cosmos rich in transformative and generative patterns. The understanding of these elements is fundamental both to grasp the developments of the following period, and to evaluate the contributions of the ancient and classical heritage in shaping how by magic means, cults, and ritual practices, men and women of Late Antiquity tried to make sense of their world.

Satisfies "Ancient History" core course requirement for History majors.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The period of Late Antiquity, between 200 CE and 600/700 CE, connects the classical times and the medieval age, laying the foundations for the construction of specific cultural, social and religious identities between Europe and the Mediterranean basin. These regions constitute an exclusive laboratory for analyzing and critically discussing processes of formation and the transmission of cults, rites, magical traditions and practices between different cultural and political environments. In the context of the evolution of the Roman State first, and then of its fragmentation, ancient magic traditions and ritual practices mixed with more recent ideas, questioning personal, social, and cultural identities and giving rise to new relational models. The birth of the concept of paganism, the emergence of ideal boundaries delimiting the licit and the illicit, the transmission, transformation and reuse of magical objects and rituals, astrological knowledge, as well as mystery cults, make the late antique period a cosmos rich in transformative and generative patterns. The understanding of these elements is fundamental both to grasp the developments of the following period, and to evaluate the contributions of the ancient and classical heritage in shaping how by magic means, cults, and ritual practices, men and women of Late Antiquity tried to make sense of their world.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The period of Late Antiquity, between 200 CE and 600/700 CE, connects the classical times and the medieval age, laying the foundations for the construction of specific cultural, social and religious identities between Europe and the Mediterranean basin. These regions constitute an exclusive laboratory for analyzing and critically discussing processes of formation and the transmission of cults, rites, magical traditions and practices between different cultural and political environments. In the context of the evolution of the Roman State first, and then of its fragmentation, ancient magic traditions and ritual practices mixed with more recent ideas, questioning personal, social, and cultural identities and giving rise to new relational models. The birth of the concept of paganism, the emergence of ideal boundaries delimiting the licit and the illicit, the transmission, transformation and reuse of magical objects and rituals, astrological knowledge, as well as mystery cults, make the late antique period a cosmos rich in transformative and generative patterns. The understanding of these elements is fundamental both to grasp the developments of the following period, and to evaluate the contributions of the ancient and classical heritage in shaping how by magic means, cults, and ritual practices, men and women of Late Antiquity tried to make sense of their world.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Icons of Power: Ritual Practices in Late AntiquityNaomi JanowitzThe Pennsylvania State University Press, 20029780271058375      
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Project PresentationThis will be a 15-minute presentation analyzing and discussing one (or one set of) relevant historical sources. Sources can be of different nature: written, iconographic, archeological, audiovisual, etc. A list of sources with further details on this assignment will be provided on Moodle. Presentations will start in the fourth week of the semester. The topic and date of the presentation will be agreed upon with the instructor.15%
Research PaperThis is a thought paper of about 2000 words based on the reading of primary sources and scholarly articles. You will be given a list of topics, among which you will select one for writing your paper.15%
Mid-Term ExamThis will be an in-class written exam composed of short answer and essay questions. Your grade on this exam will depend upon the analytical strength and persuasiveness of your arguments as well as the factual accuracy of your answers.20%
Brief Source AnalysisThis is a written source analysis of about 800 words on a source agreed upon between the student and the instructor to be submitted at any time before the end of the term. Alternatively, the student may give a short presentation instead of the paper. The source to be analyzed can be of various nature (textual, artistic/iconographic, magical objects/tools, etc.).10%
Final ExamThis will be an in-class written exam composed of short answer and essay questions. Your grade on this exam will depend upon the analytical strength and persuasiveness of your arguments as well as the factual accuracy of your answers.25%
Attendance and Class ParticipationIt is mandatory that you (1) are in class, (2) have done the readings, and (3) express your views in class, and are able to make connections with previous topics. You will be graded for being active in class, rather than for being (always) right. Persistent absences or failure to do the readings will affect your grade. Please see the Attendance Requirements section for further details. A student discussion forum on the weekly readings and topics, moderated by the professor, is activated on Moodle. Students' thoughtful participation is essential.15%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

The period of Late Antiquity, between 200 CE and 600/700 CE, connects the classical times and the medieval age, laying the foundations for the construction of specific cultural, social and religious identities between Europe and the Mediterranean basin. These regions constitute an exclusive laboratory for analyzing and critically discussing processes of formation and the transmission of cults, rites, magical traditions and practices between different cultural and political environments. In the context of the evolution of the Roman State first, and then of its fragmentation, ancient magic traditions and ritual practices mixed with more recent ideas, questioning personal, social, and cultural identities and giving rise to new relational models. The birth of the concept of paganism, the emergence of ideal boundaries delimiting the licit and the illicit, the transmission, transformation and reuse of magical objects and rituals, astrological knowledge, as well as mystery cults, make the late antique period a cosmos rich in transformative and generative patterns. The understanding of these elements is fundamental both to grasp the developments of the following period, and to evaluate the contributions of the ancient and classical heritage in shaping how by magic means, cults, and ritual practices, men and women of Late Antiquity tried to make sense of their world.

 

Letter grades and corresponding percentages for this class:

94 – 100 points = A

90 – 93.99 pts = A-

87 – 89.99 = B+

83 – 86.99 = B

80 – 82.99 = B-

77 – 79.99 = C+

70 – 76.99 = C

60 – 69.99 = D

59.99 – 0 = F 
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

This syllabus is preliminary and may be subject to change 

All readings are available on Moodle

 

COURSE SCHEDULE

 

 Week 1

M         Course Intro: Late Antiquity: Peliminary Concepts

ü  Hervé Inglebert, “Introduction: Late Antique Conceptions of Late Antiquity”, in The Oxford Handbook of Late Antiquity, ed. by Scott Fitzgerald Johnson

 

W         Late Antiquity: An Age of Change

ü  Peter Brown, The Making of Late Antiquity, pp. 81-101 (“From the Heavens to the Desert”)

 

Week 2

M         Ancient Magic, Terminology, and Daemonology

ü  Georg Luck, Arcana Mundi: Magic and the Occult in the Greek and Roman Worlds, pp. 33-59, 207-220, and 493-518 

 

W         The Invention of Paganism

ü  Doug Lee, Pagans and Christians in Late Antiquity, pp. 1-9, and pp. 116-137

 

Week 3

M         Curses, Mysteries, and Symbolism

Read one of these two essays:

ü  Alexander Rumble and Roger Beck, The Religion of the Mithras Cult in the Roman Empire: Mysteries of the Unconquered Sun, pp. 67-87 (“The Mithraic Mysteries as Symbol System: I. Introduction and Comparisons”)

ü  Curse Tablets and Binding Spells from the Ancient World, ed. by John G. Gager, pp. 3-29 ("Introduction")

 

W         Superstition, Magic, and Forbidden Beliefs

Read one of the following two essays:

ü  John T.  McNeill, Medieval Handbooks of Penance, pp. 23-43 (The Penitentials), and pp. 419-421 (An Eight Century List of Superstition)

ü  William Klingshirn, "Isidore of Seville's Taxonomy of Magicians and Diviners", Traditio, pp. 59-90

 

 Week 4

M         Women and the Gendering of Magic

ü  Kimberly Stratton, Naming the Witch, pp. 71-105 (Women, Sex, and Magic in Roman Rhetoric and Ideology) 

 

W         Roman Witches

ü  Pauline Ripat, "Roman Women, Wise Women, and Witches", Phoenix (2016): 104-128

  

Week 5

M         Divination

ü  Luck, Arcana Mundi, pp. 285-287; 308-315; 328-330 (Cicero, text 82); 341-345 (Lucan, text 90); 345-347 (St. Paul, Text 91); 366-368 (Eunapius, Text 101)

 

W         Classical Traditions and Their Legacy

ü  Derek Collins, Magic in the Ancient Greek World, pp. 132-165 (Magic in Greek and Roman Law)

 

Week 6

M         Ritual Efficacy in Late Antiquity

ü  Naomi Janowitz, Icons of Power, Ch. 1

 

W         The Languages of Magic

ü  Naomi Janowitz, Icons of Power, Ch. 2

ü  Stanley J. Tambiah, “The Magical Power of Words”, Man, 2 (1968): 175-208

 

Week 7

M         Late Antique Ascents

ü  Naomi Janowitz, Icons of Power, Ch. 3 and 4

 

W         Late Antique Cosmologies

ü  Naomi Janowitz, Icons of Power, Ch. 5

 

Take-Home Midterm Exam, Due on October 18,11:59PM

 

Week 8   

M        Film Screening and Discussion

ü  Class Notes

 

W         Jewish Magic: The Book of Secrets or Sefer HaRazim

ü  Naomi Janowitz, Icons of Power, Ch. 6

 

Week 9

M      Alchemy 

ü  Naomi Janowitz, Icons of Power, Ch. 7

 

W      Magic Traditions Between Egypt and Rome

ü  Attilio Mastrocinque, “Septimius Severus and Egyptian Magical Books”, Bandue 11 (2018-2019): 301-307

ü  David Frankfurter, “Native Egyptian Religion in Its Roman Guise”, Numen 43 (1996): 303-315

 

Week 10

M         Alien Sorcerers

ü  Ogden (Ed.), Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts, pp. 33-60

 

W         Magic and The Rivals of Jesus

ü  Ogden (Ed.), Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts, pp. 61-77

 

Week 11

M         Roman Witches in Literature and Art

ü  Elizabeth Ann Pollard, “Witch-Crafting in Roman Literature and Art: New Thoughts on an Old Image”, Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft 3 (2): 119-155

 

W         Discussing The Witches of Latin Tradition

ü  Daniel Ogden (Ed.), Magic, Witchcraft, and Ghosts in the Greek and Roman Worlds, pp. 115-140

 

Week 12

M         Film Screening and Discussion

ü  Class notes

 

W         Medical Practices and Magic in Byzantium

ü  Gary Vikan, "Art, Medicine, and Magic in Early Byzantium”, Dumbarton Oaks Papers, Vol. 38 (1984), pp. 65-86

 

Week 13

M        Psychoactive Substances 

ü  Luck, Arcana Mundi, pp. 479-490

 

W        Sorcery from Constantine to the 7th Century

ü  Matthew W. Dickie, Magic and Magicians in the Greco-Roman World, pp. 273-281; 287-299; 304-321

 

Paper: Due on 29 Nov., 11:59PM

 

Week 14

M         Reflections on a "Clash of Cultures"

ü  Jaclyn Maxwell, “Paganism and Christianization”, in The Oxford Handbook of Late Antiquity, ed. by Scott Fitzgerald Johnson

 

W         Conclusions and Review for Final Exam

 

Final Exam