| Unit name | Alchemy, Magic & Science in Early Modernity |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30070 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Balserak |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
none |
| Co-requisites |
none |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
In Early Modern Europe, those who were educated possessed a worldview within which one found astrology, alchemy, and the magical arts as basic components. However, the rise of new modes of thought and particularly (what is now known as) the empirical sciences overturned such a conception of the world. This unit will examine the changes which brought this to pass and their impact on the way we think today.
On successful completion of this unit students will have
(1) developed a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the relationship of alchemy, magic, astrology and science to modern day; (2) in-depth understanding of the intellectual, religious, and theoretical contexts informing this relationship; (3) demonstrated the ability to analyse and evaluate competing perceptions of ancient and modern sculpture; (4) demonstrated the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate a cogent argument. Additionally, as part of a level H/6 unit, students will be expected to (5) display high level skills in evaluating, analysing, synthesising and critiquing ideas.
20 hours (seminar)
One summative coursework essay of 3000 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours comprising 2 questions out of 6 (50%).
Thorndike, Lynn. History of Magic and Experimental Science. 8 vols. New York: Columbia University Press, 1923–1958.
Webster, Charles. The Great Instauration: Science, Medicine, and Reform, 1626–1660. 2d ed. Oxford: Peter Lang, 2002.
William R. Newman, Anthony Grafton, Secrets of Nature: Astrology and Alchemy in Early Modern Europe (MIT Press, 2001)
William Eamon, Science and the Secrets of Nature: Books of Secrets in Medieval and Early Modern Culture (Princeton University Press, 1994)
Yates, Frances. Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition. University of Chicago Press, 1964.
Thomas, Keith. Religion and the Decline of Magic: Studies in Popular Beliefs in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century England. 3d ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.
