Magic and the Supernatural in the Ancient World

Exam Questions

Jan. 20-22: The Study of Magic and Magic in the Ancient World

• Tobin Cataldo: tcatald@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • objective quest.: What is magic? (define)
  • essay quest.: Write an essay comparing and contrasting science and magic.

• Kate Bolin: kbolin@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • Objective: List science, magic, and religion in evolutionary order according to Sir James Frazer. answer: magic, then religion, then science
  • Essay: Which anthropological method (EMIC or ETIC) do you consider proper for studying magic in a society and why?

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

  • To what did the carmina mala refer to in the ancient Roman world?

        Carmina mala referred to certain vocal rites or malevolent, harmful spells thought to possess a destructive force (Graf 41-42).

  • Define "etic" and "emic."

        Etic refers to an outsider's point of view, usually taken with an attitude of higher civilization.
        Emic refers to an insider's point of view, in which experience is used to gain knowledge of a culture.

  • Discuss the similarities and differences between either magic and religion or magic and science.

• Alexandra Kogler: akogler@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • Objective Question: true or false, All magic forms have foreign influences.
  • Essay Question: Explore the similarities and differences between Magic and Religion.

• Robert Fraser: rfraser@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • objective: A magos/magus is a __________? (Persian priest)pg. 20 Graf
  • subjective: Define ritual and give two anthropological examples of a ritual from the readings giving the best detail as possible.

• "Jennifer L. Myer": myer@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • (obj.) Who advanced the theory that science and religion developed from magic, considered a primitive precursor to both? (answer: Frazer)
  • (subj.) What necessary elements must be included in a working scholastic definition of magic? How do these elements distinguish magic from religion and science and how do they hilite the similarities?

• "Christina Wilson"
  • What are some examples of archeological finds which give us clues as to magic in the ancient world?
    - curse tablets, voodoo dolls, ect
  • Compare and contrast magic, religon, and science. How are they similar? How do they differ? How are there definitions problematic, especially in their comparisons?

• Michelle D Arens: marens@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • Objective: Define emic and etic
  • Subjective: Describe the relationship between Magic, Religion, and Science, focusing on similarities and differences between each and how one's point of view on each may change depending on his/her beliefs.

• Nicholas Katsaounis : nkatsao@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • On page 5 (Arcana Mundi). 'The magus does not recognize sin; he is, in a way, above morality and the law, a law unto himself.' What is the purpose of this process of non-recognition of sin, what does a magus achieve through it? How is this concept of morality of the magus similar or different to that of a philosopher during that time period.

• Caroline Maya Schiffman: cschiff@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • Discuss the two definitions-- magic and science-- give the dictionary definition and point out its strenghts and problems. Try to present a definition for botht that eliminate some of the problems presented in the A.H.D. definition....
  • Who are the Nacirema?
  • What types of superstitious rituals do baseball players do to keep a winning streak?

• Jay Munsch: wmunsch@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • The term used to describe the examination of a culture from an internal point of view is [blank]. Emic
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of an etic point of view.

• Jason Lapkin: LovestarSI@aol.com
  • Which of the below is not a means by which we can catagorize the relationship between magic and religion according to Luck?
    A. Magic becomes religion.
    B. Religion attempts to reconcile personal powers after magic has failed.
    C. Religion and magic have common roots.
    D. Magic is a degenerate form of religion.
    E. Religion is a seperate entity, not to be confused to magic.
    
    ANSWER: E, see Luck, page 4.

  • Discuss the social applications and results of religious ritual in at least two distinct cultures (use specific examples).

    ANSWER: See Lehmann and Myers, pages 40-44.

  • Define "Magic," "Religion," and "Science" using your own words. In addition, support your definition. Attempt to find an answer which can withstand the most criticism.

• Nicholas Backer: nbacker@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • In what text is the first mention of magical powers by a Greek poet found, and who posseses these powers?
  • What differences were there between the courses of action followed by the Greeks and Romans in combatting the practice of magic?

• Robert Fraser: rfraser@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu
  • ObjectiveWhat was the name of the tribe that Professor Linton brought to the attention of the anthropologists that challenged the ideas of ethnocentricity?

    (The Nacirema(AMERICA) pg 71-74 in Lehmann and Myers

  • How are Magic and Science different and alike? Use specific references from the readings for support of your answer.