Magic and the Supernatural in the Ancient World

Exam Questions

(Zach Harrelson:zharrel@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

(obj) What are the three phases that make up a liminal ritual as described by Arnold van Gennep?
(answer: separation, marginality, reintegration)
(SA) Compare/contrast the respective relationships ancient mystery cults and modern "cults" have with magic. Be sure to address issues of secrecy, initiation, social sanctioning and focus on afterlife.

Nick Backer: nbacker@mailhost.tcs.tulane.com

According to Bradley, what three events must occur in a life for "messiah status?" A: divine birth, acts of healing, death
Examine the link between cults and the perception and nature of magic.

Michelle Arens marens@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

1. What are the three steps of ritual initiation?
Answer: separation, marginality, and reintegration
2. How are modern cults similar to/ different from ancient mystery cults?

Derek Pepiak:dpepiak@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Kate Bolin--kbolin@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Give two examples of mystery cults. Demeter at Eleusis and Dionysus
Can a comparison be made between modern occultism and magic? Support your ideas.

Jay Munsch wmunsch@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

1) Name three mystery cults from the greco-roman world? A. Mithras, Isis and Serapis, Demeter, Dionysus, or the Samothracian Mysteries.
2) Discuss the similarities between modern cults and ancient mystery cults.

Bob Fraser:rfraser.mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu

Objective: 1.List some differences between a shamen and a magician.
subjective: 2.How are magic, science and religion related and what are the connotations of the words in modern western society?

Nick Backer: nbacker@mailhost.tcs.tualne.edu

Give two analogous features of modern cults and magic. A:Secretive, initiation rite, unsanctioned
Discuss the diferences between your perception of the relation between magic, science and religion at the beginning of the course, and now.