Module manager: Prof. Jon Topham
Email: j.r.topham@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is approved as a discovery module
In the modern world, it is easy to believe that the boundaries between magic, science and religion are clearly drawn. However, across history, these three aspects of human culture have often been intertwined and difficult to disentangle. This module explores the complex ways in which science, magic and religion have been interrelated over the last two and half thousand years, examining the ongoing exploration of the natural and the supernatural. It takes an interdisciplinary approach to the exploration and analysis of a range of magical, philosophical, theological and scientific ideas, and recurring themes, that run from ancient Greece thought through to Renaissance magicians, eighteenth-century physicians, nineteenth-century naturalists, early twentieth-century psychotherapists, counter-cultural radicals of the 1960s, and 21st century technologists. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The module’s aim is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the changing historical relations between magic, science and religion, from antiquity to the present, identifying common themes, and developing a larger perspective on the changes and continuities in human history. This will enhance your cultural awareness and insight, and provide you with a framework in which to critically examine claims about 'occult', scientific, and religious knowledge and practices.
The module supports this aim by introducing you to a series of historical episodes, within a larger interpretive framework. Lectures introduce ideas and practices relating to magic, science, and religion at different historical periods. Seminars provide the opportunity to understand the diverse approaches on your own terms, and to develop a critical approach to the material.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Describe some of the diversity of views of magic, science and religion over the period studied.
2. Analyse how particular views of the world were adopted in particular historical contexts.
3. Critically assess theoretical approaches to magic, science, and religion.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. Communicate ideas and understanding clearly and concisely, using appropriate academic language (Academic and Work Ready skill)
5. Analyse and evaluate source material (Academic and Work Ready skill)
6. Search for and utilise appropriate material to support knowledge and analysis of topics (Academic, Work Ready, Digital and Sustainability skill)
Possible topics include: the emergence of ancient Greek science; medieval discussions of the relationship between nature and the supernatural; the contrast between Renaissance humanism and the occult; Enlightenment attitudes to the causes of human illness; nineteenth-century spiritualism; the modern re-emergence of occultism; magic, science and religion in psychoanalysis; and modern technology as religion and magic.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 84 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 16 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
In addition to the formative feedback available to students in student hours and seminar-based activities, each student is invited to complete ONE piece of formative work which will receive written feedback. This takes the form of an answer to one of a choice of mock OTLA questions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | OTLA | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 28/02/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team