Faculty Advisor: Instructor on Advanced Greek, Harvard University

Program Start Time: TBD (meetings will take place for around one hour per week)

Research Practicum Introduction

Musicians, writers, artists, Hollywood producers, even politicians, routinely appeal to the popular fascination with the demonic and the magical to elicit reactions from their audiences. In Ancient Mediterranean societies, however, demons and magic were more than just rhetorical and artistic devices. Magic permeated all aspects of life and demons were friendly companions that magicians could summon to learn one’s past and future, ask advice, or heal the sick.

In this program, we will explore the process that transformed ancient Mediterranean demons from positive helpers into evil tricksters and alienated magic from ordinary life. We will use demonology and magic as case studies to explore how religious dogmas are established and how they shape societies. We will discuss the ways in which religious tribalism inhibits interfaith dialogue, how elitist doctrines conflict with community practices, and how religion is linked with politics.

By the end of the program, students will learn about the importance of material culture as a source for historical reconstruction. They will also learn how to use ancient history to reflect on contemporary issues, such as religious pluralism, religious freedom, and the impact of religion on public life.

Possible Topics For Final Project

• What are the major steps in ancient demon’s evolution from good to evil beings?

• What functions do demons perform in ancient societies?

• How does material culture contribute to the study of ancient people’s history? 

• What information can we derive from the comparison between elite literature and material culture on matters of demonology and magic?

• How do ancient magical devices defy modern definitions of religion and religious affiliation?

• What forces contributed to the dissolution of ancient pluri-religious societies?

Program Detail

• Cohort Size: 3-5 students

• Duration: 12 weeks

• Workload: Around 4-5 hours per week (including class time and homework time)

• Target Students: 9-12th grade students interested in Classics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Greek Literature, Demonology, Sociology and/or Cultural Studies.