Concordia University
Concordia University
Log in Sign up

Magic in Society: Historical and Cultural Perspectives

HM101
Open Closing on January 23, 2025 / 2 spots left
Riipen Demo University
Riipen Demo University
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Morgan Brown
Morgan Brown
Administrator
Timeline
  • February 10, 2025
    Experience start
  • March 25, 2025
    Experience end
Experience
2 projects wanted
Dates set by experience
Preferred companies
Anywhere
Non profit
Arts, Consumer goods & services, Marketing & advertising, Travel & tourism

Experience scope

Categories
Data analysis Humanities Media Social sciences History
Skills
research reports comparative analysis teamwork critical thinking
Learner goals and capabilities

This experience delves into the historical and cultural significance of magic across various societies, exploring its intersections with religion, politics, medicine, and culture. Learners will develop the ability to critically analyze historical contexts and representations of magic, and understand its implications in both past and contemporary settings. By applying these insights, learners can contribute to projects that examine cultural narratives, media representations, and the socio-political impact of magical practices.

Learners

Learners
Graduate
Intermediate levels
8 learners
Project
20 hours per learner
Educators assign learners to projects
Teams of 2
Expected outcomes and deliverables
  • Research report on the historical role of magic in a specific culture.
  • Analysis of media representations of magic in contemporary pop culture.
  • Case study on the political implications of magical practices in a historical context.
  • Comparative analysis of ancient and modern interpretations of magic.


Project timeline
  • February 10, 2025
    Experience start
  • March 25, 2025
    Experience end

Project Examples

Requirements

Analysis of Magical Symbolism in Branding and Marketing

Description: Explore how companies use magical or mystical symbols, language, and imagery in branding to influence consumer behavior. This project could include a case study on a brand that leverages themes of astrology, alchemy, or magic (e.g., luxury cosmetics, jewelry, or horoscope apps).

Virtual Archive Curation: The Witch Trials Database

Description: Partner with a virtual archive or historical organization to analyze existing digital records related to witch trials. Students would focus on identifying patterns, such as gender, socioeconomic status, and geographic trends in accusations.

Cultural Impact of Modern Witchcraft in Media

Description: Investigate the representation of modern witchcraft in a contemporary TV series, film, or online community (e.g., TikTok’s “WitchTok” community). Evaluate how these representations reflect or distort historical practices and beliefs.


Additional company criteria

Companies must answer the following questions to submit a match request to this experience:

Would you be able to check-in with my students weekly?

What date would you need project completion by?

What deliverables are you looking for?

What relevant information or data would you provide for this project?

Will you provide an opportunity for learners to present their work and receive feedback?