BLUF: The University of Exeter brings history full circle as they plan to offer a degree in magic and occult sciences, a significant stride acknowledging the global resurgence of interest in witchcraft and spirituality despite a reported increase in societal disconnection from religious institutions.
OSINT:
The University of Exeter, England, steeped in a rich history of witchcraft, is offering a postgraduate degree in magic and occult sciences beginning in September 2024. This decision, conceptualized by Prof. Emily Selove, materialized from the recent renewal of interest in witchcraft and the university’s mission to accommodate multidisciplinary study areas. The curriculum is broad, encompassing diverse themes such as Western dragons, medieval depictions of women, and the philosophical aspects of psychedelics, explored through the perspectives of various religious traditions.
This move has coincided with a global burgeoning of interest in magic and spirituality, especially in the United States, where changing religious affiliations have prompted a resurgence of beliefs in unorthodox phenomena. The semantics of ‘magic’ has also evolved, gaining significance as a symbol of female empowerment, and manifesting in popular culture trends such as the #WitchTok hashtag on TikTok, which has accumulated billions of views.
Despite the forward-thinking initiatives of the University of Exeter, other institutions like the West Virginia University have been compelled to cut down on their humanities programs due to budget constraints. International universities are also offering esoteric programs, suggesting a more widespread curiosity in the study of magic.
RIGHT:
The introduction of a postgraduate degree in magic and occult sciences at the University of Exeter is a testament to the power of market forces and consumer demand. In an era of declining interest in traditional religious institutions, people are seeking alternative sources of spiritual understanding, resurrecting interest in formerly marginalized fields like witchcraft and magic. The University’s decision appears driven by rising social trends, cultural shifts, and student interests, embodying the quintessential spirit of laissez-faire economics. This serves as a potent reminder that educational institutions, like other entities, must adapt to market forces to remain relevant.
LEFT:
The University of Exeter’s new degree program signifies a transformative shift in academic inclusivity and cultural diversity. Subaltern studies, including magic and occult sciences, have long been marginalized and dismissed as trivial. By recognizing these subjects as legitimate fields of study, we can encourage diversity and enhance our understanding of cultural history and alternative worldviews. Furthermore, this trend underscores the need for increased funding in humanities programs. While some institutions have been forced to make cuts, others, like Exeter, are making vital contributions to expand the scope of human knowledge.
AI:
Analyzing the trend, the rise in interest toward magical and occult sciences represents a significant pivot away from traditional educational parameters. This suggests a growing societal shift in the perception of conventional boundaries between ‘science’ and ‘pseudoscience’. Peering into the deeper implications, it reflects the fluidity in categorizing knowledge as society evolves, exhibiting the dynamic and temporal aspects of the framework within which ‘valid’ knowledge is demarcated. Furthermore, linking supernatural beliefs to gender symbolism indicates how social trends could intermingle with seemingly disparate domains, crafting unique cultural narratives in the process.