Question:
How does the socio-cultural function of magic differ from the way it is
perceived? Discuss with reference to the ancient and medieval historical periods.
Further details:
i) Ancient (Wk. 2.1; Wk 3.1&2, Wk 4.1; Wk. 5.1; Wk.6.1; Wk. 7.1&2)
Ii) Medieval–Renaissance (Wk. 8.1; Wk. 9.1&2; Wk. 10)
The question asks you to engage in the lecture material for the unit. The ten marks for the essay will be awarded for the following criteria: i) the coherence and credibility of the argument (3 marks); ii) your citation of evidence (2 marks), iii) your interpretation of evidence (3 marks); and iv) your critical awareness of scholarship (2 marks)
There is a word limit range for your essay (1000–1500). Write so as to make sure you have provided sufficient detail on the criteria listed above.
You must structure the essay as you would a typical essay, with an introduction setting out your points, a paragraph on each with supporting evidence and interpretation, and a conclusion. You will not need to footnote this response.
Any references to sources can be done in-text, i.e. by providing minimal reference in
brackets, e.g. (P.Oxy. 12.1345) or (Lucian, Apology – no need to cite specific
book/chapter/line nos.). Short titles are sufficient for modern works (e.g. the author’s last name and a key phrase from their book or article title).
