Week VIII (March 10 &13) – Spring Break Take Home Midterm due before class Monday March 17

Download the exam when you are ready to take it, but you should spend time reviewing the readings and preparing your notes before you download the exam.

Provide a commentary on the features of these two spells.  You should explain the context of the magic, the agent and the target, and the means by which the magic operates (i.e., all of the standard What, Who, Where/When, Why, and How questions we have explored for the readings).  You should make sure to analyze the dynamics of the interactions with the divine powers invoked, as well as the way the different components of the spell work within the overall structure.  Since the magical tradition in the Greco-Roman world operated by use of familiar elements complemented by competitive innovations, you should provide parallels for the features of these spells and their contexts from the examples in the readings, especially any voces magicae (magical words), deity names, or ritual actions that are part of the procedure.  You should use the comparisons and contrasts with the parallels to illustrate the meanings and functions of the common elements within these spells.  Parallels need not be exhaustive, but you should try to cite more than a single parallel for common features (3 or 4 examples is good; 6 or 8 is better; 15 or 16 is excessive).  The purpose of the assignment is for you to demonstrate your familiarity with and understanding of the primary texts and secondary interpretations we have studied.  While you should discuss the specific features and context of the spell in terms of the broader context of magical practices in the ancient Mediterranean world, please avoid vague and sweeping generalizations.  Please assume that your reader has a good general background in the subject of ancient magic but is perhaps excessively skeptical of any claims you might make about these particular spells.  Specific evidence and careful argumentation are the best ways to convince your audience.

Your commentary should be about 6 pages of printed text, given a double-spaced document with reasonable font and margins (e.g., this document is Garamond 12 pt. with 1" margins).  Please proofread your papers carefully to ensure that they are free from annoying typographical, spelling, and grammatical errors.  You should cite the parallels according to the bibliographic form, abbreviations and conventions used in Gager.  Ancient primary texts should be cited by the number in the collection and line number (e.g. PGM XVI. 1-15 or Gager #13), whereas modern secondary material should be cited by page number (e.g., Graf, Magic in the Ancient World, pp. 13-22 or Graf 1997:13-22). 

You may use any books or notes or other resources you have prepared, but please spend no more than around 3 hours on this exam.  The exam is due before class on Monday, March 17.  Any late assignments will be penalized by one grade for each 24 hour period they are late (including weekends).  Extensions are negotiable only if you discuss the situation with me no less than 24 hours in advance.