Students

AHIS355 – A History of Magic: From the Magi to Merlin

2016 – S2 External

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Malcolm Choat
Tutor
Rachel Yuen-Collingridge
Contact via rachel.yuen@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp or (6cp in AHIS or AHST units at 200 level)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit will survey magic in the ancient world, from the Ancient Near Eastern civilisations, through the Egyptian and Graeco-Roman worlds, to Late Antiquity, Byzantium, and early Medieval Europe. It will provide thorough coverage of the way magic has been defined, understood, and used in these civilisations, and the way it has been conceived and studied in the history of modern scholarship over the past two centuries. Students will focus closely on the material sources for ancient magic, such as handbooks of spells on papyrus, amulets to ward off the evil eye, and lead curse tablets. There will also be close consideration of the construction of magic as an antithesis to religion in the ancient and modern worlds. As a coda, the unit will look beyond the ancient world to the role, use, and understanding of magic in wider historical, literary, and scientific contexts. This will include not only consideration of magic (and things which might be considered 'magic') in the Renaissance and modern worlds, but aspects of cognitive psychology such as perceptual illusions and delusional beliefs.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Identify evidence for the understanding and practice of magic from the Ancient to early modern world.
  • Recognise how the ways in which the labelling of magical and religious phenomena, communities, and events, affects our study of them.
  • Assess definitions of "magic" through the centuries, and the cultural processes via which they developed.
  • Consider critically the impact of the modern academic discourse on the study of magic in history.
  • Classify and interpret textual, documentary, and artifactual material
  • Identify the technical or genre-based aspects of different types of texts and documents, and extract relevant data from them.
  • Differentiate different types of discourses, and analyse their aims and functions;
  • Utilise communication skills appropriate to academic written and oral presentations.
  • Recognise the significance of the past to the present.
  • Recognise and implement academic honesty in scholarly communication.

General Assessment Information

Assignment Submission

ALL written assignments must be submitted via Turnitin within iLearn.

You are required to present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the University Examination Timetable. The only exception to sitting an examination at the designated time is because of documented illness or unavoidable disruption. In these circumstances, please consult University Policy for the available procedure.

Extensions

ALL deadlines are firm unless an extension has been requested in writing one (1) week before the due date. A penalty for lateness will apply unless a doctor's certificate is supplied. No written work will be accepted for assessment after the end of Week 13. 5% of credit will be deducted for the first day assignments are submitted late without an extension and thereafter 2% of credit will be deducted per day for assignments submitted late without an extension. If an assessment task is more than two (2) weeks late, students will need the permission of the unit convenor before submitting the task. Tasks more than two (2) weeks late, without extension or convenor permission, will not be marked. Assignments handed in early will not be marked and returned before the due date. Always retain a copy of work you submit in case it is lost in the online system.

Satisfactory Completion of Unit

In order to complete this unit satisfactorily students must gain a mark of 50% or more, and attempt all assessment tasks.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Academic Honesty Quiz 0% Week 2 Friday 12/8
Essay Question 10% Week 3 Friday 19/8
Essay Bibliography 10% Week 5 2/9
Essay 45% Week 7 Friday 16/9
Exam 35% Exam period

Academic Honesty Quiz

Due: Week 2 Friday 12/8
Weighting: 0%

Students will complete a short online quiz that gives examples of academic dishonesty. Students must gain full marks in this quiz to pass the unit. Students may attempt the quiz as many times as they wish.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Utilise communication skills appropriate to academic written and oral presentations.
  • Recognise and implement academic honesty in scholarly communication.

Essay Question

Due: Week 3 Friday 19/8
Weighting: 10%

Students construct an essay question on the basis of a set of sources (provided), giving the question and stating why it is a significant issue in no more than 300 words (not including references or footnotes).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify evidence for the understanding and practice of magic from the Ancient to early modern world.
  • Classify and interpret textual, documentary, and artifactual material
  • Recognise the significance of the past to the present.
  • Recognise and implement academic honesty in scholarly communication.

Essay Bibliography

Due: Week 5 2/9
Weighting: 10%

Students must submit a bibliography for their essay. It will be assessed on the relevance of the items to their question and the sources, and the formatting of the bibliography, which must be consistent, and follow a standard disciplinary practice. A guide to ‘Essay Presentation & Conventions: Style Guide’ is available from the Ancient History Department Website; one of the systems laid out there be followed, or students may use another system, but it must be applied consistently.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify evidence for the understanding and practice of magic from the Ancient to early modern world.
  • Recognise how the ways in which the labelling of magical and religious phenomena, communities, and events, affects our study of them.
  • Identify the technical or genre-based aspects of different types of texts and documents, and extract relevant data from them.
  • Differentiate different types of discourses, and analyse their aims and functions;
  • Recognise the significance of the past to the present.

Essay

Due: Week 7 Friday 16/9
Weighting: 45%

Students will submit a 2000 word essay on the question they designed in Assessment 2. The word count does not include footnotes and bibliography.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify evidence for the understanding and practice of magic from the Ancient to early modern world.
  • Recognise how the ways in which the labelling of magical and religious phenomena, communities, and events, affects our study of them.
  • Assess definitions of "magic" through the centuries, and the cultural processes via which they developed.
  • Consider critically the impact of the modern academic discourse on the study of magic in history.
  • Classify and interpret textual, documentary, and artifactual material
  • Identify the technical or genre-based aspects of different types of texts and documents, and extract relevant data from them.
  • Differentiate different types of discourses, and analyse their aims and functions;
  • Utilise communication skills appropriate to academic written and oral presentations.
  • Recognise the significance of the past to the present.
  • Recognise and implement academic honesty in scholarly communication.

Exam

Due: Exam period
Weighting: 35%

There will be a two (2) hour examination during the exam period at the end of semester. Further guidance on the exam will be provided during the session.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognise how the ways in which the labelling of magical and religious phenomena, communities, and events, affects our study of them.
  • Assess definitions of "magic" through the centuries, and the cultural processes via which they developed.
  • Consider critically the impact of the modern academic discourse on the study of magic in history.
  • Classify and interpret textual, documentary, and artifactual material
  • Identify the technical or genre-based aspects of different types of texts and documents, and extract relevant data from them.
  • Differentiate different types of discourses, and analyse their aims and functions;
  • Recognise the significance of the past to the present.
  • Recognise and implement academic honesty in scholarly communication.

Delivery and Resources

Required and Recommended Reading

There is no textbook for this unit. Readings required for each week's online discussion and for the essay will be placed on the iLearn site or available though the library.

Technology

The unit has an iLearn page which can be accessed at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php. PC and internet access are therefore required. Basic computer skills (e.g., internet browsing) and skills in word processing are also a requirement. Content, readings, and discussions for this unit will be delivered via the unit iLearn page. The lectures for this unit will be recorded and the audio recordings and accompanying slides will be available on the Echo 360 system, and online discussions will take place on the iLearn page. The quiz in week 1 will also be taken via the iLearn page. Readings will be available via the library and iLearn; other digital resources will also be placed on the iLearn site.

Lectures

There will two one-hour lectures per week, on Tuesdays at 2-4 pm; these will be recorded and available via the Echo360 system.

Online Discussions

In weekly online discussions on the iLearn page, we will focus on the historical interpretation of the sources for magic.

Unit Schedule

The schedule and topics for the lectures and tutorial may be found on the unit iLearn site (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/index.php).

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Consider critically the impact of the modern academic discourse on the study of magic in history.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay
  • Exam

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Assess definitions of "magic" through the centuries, and the cultural processes via which they developed.
  • Consider critically the impact of the modern academic discourse on the study of magic in history.
  • Differentiate different types of discourses, and analyse their aims and functions;
  • Utilise communication skills appropriate to academic written and oral presentations.
  • Recognise the significance of the past to the present.
  • Recognise and implement academic honesty in scholarly communication.

Assessment tasks

  • Academic Honesty Quiz
  • Essay Question
  • Essay Bibliography
  • Essay
  • Exam

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Recognise and implement academic honesty in scholarly communication.

Assessment tasks

  • Academic Honesty Quiz
  • Essay Question
  • Essay
  • Exam

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify evidence for the understanding and practice of magic from the Ancient to early modern world.
  • Recognise how the ways in which the labelling of magical and religious phenomena, communities, and events, affects our study of them.
  • Assess definitions of "magic" through the centuries, and the cultural processes via which they developed.
  • Consider critically the impact of the modern academic discourse on the study of magic in history.
  • Classify and interpret textual, documentary, and artifactual material
  • Identify the technical or genre-based aspects of different types of texts and documents, and extract relevant data from them.
  • Differentiate different types of discourses, and analyse their aims and functions;
  • Recognise the significance of the past to the present.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay Question
  • Essay Bibliography
  • Essay
  • Exam

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognise how the ways in which the labelling of magical and religious phenomena, communities, and events, affects our study of them.
  • Assess definitions of "magic" through the centuries, and the cultural processes via which they developed.
  • Consider critically the impact of the modern academic discourse on the study of magic in history.
  • Identify the technical or genre-based aspects of different types of texts and documents, and extract relevant data from them.
  • Differentiate different types of discourses, and analyse their aims and functions;

Assessment tasks

  • Essay Bibliography
  • Essay
  • Exam

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify evidence for the understanding and practice of magic from the Ancient to early modern world.
  • Recognise how the ways in which the labelling of magical and religious phenomena, communities, and events, affects our study of them.
  • Assess definitions of "magic" through the centuries, and the cultural processes via which they developed.
  • Consider critically the impact of the modern academic discourse on the study of magic in history.
  • Classify and interpret textual, documentary, and artifactual material
  • Identify the technical or genre-based aspects of different types of texts and documents, and extract relevant data from them.
  • Differentiate different types of discourses, and analyse their aims and functions;

Assessment tasks

  • Essay Question
  • Essay Bibliography
  • Essay
  • Exam

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the technical or genre-based aspects of different types of texts and documents, and extract relevant data from them.
  • Utilise communication skills appropriate to academic written and oral presentations.
  • Recognise and implement academic honesty in scholarly communication.

Assessment tasks

  • Academic Honesty Quiz
  • Essay Question
  • Essay Bibliography
  • Essay
  • Exam

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Assess definitions of "magic" through the centuries, and the cultural processes via which they developed.
  • Consider critically the impact of the modern academic discourse on the study of magic in history.
  • Differentiate different types of discourses, and analyse their aims and functions;
  • Utilise communication skills appropriate to academic written and oral presentations.
  • Recognise the significance of the past to the present.
  • Recognise and implement academic honesty in scholarly communication.

Assessment tasks

  • Academic Honesty Quiz
  • Essay Question
  • Essay Bibliography
  • Essay
  • Exam

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Consider critically the impact of the modern academic discourse on the study of magic in history.
  • Differentiate different types of discourses, and analyse their aims and functions;
  • Utilise communication skills appropriate to academic written and oral presentations.
  • Recognise the significance of the past to the present.
  • Recognise and implement academic honesty in scholarly communication.

Assessment tasks

  • Academic Honesty Quiz
  • Essay Question
  • Essay Bibliography
  • Essay
  • Exam