Final Exam

            The Final Exam consists of two sections, the first dealing with the theurgic and related types of magic, the second with the underlying theoretical issues of definition and categorization.  Both sections ask you to comment upon texts, although the type of issues you should address in each section are different.  In each section, your commentary should be 3-5 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).  Your completed final should therefore amount to 6-10 pages of printed text.  There is no time designation for this exam – it is not the equivalent of a self-scheduled, three hour session.  You should, however, prepare for this exam as you did for the midterm, by reviewing the primary materials and preparing notes on common features that you can cite in your commentaries. 

            In both sets of commentaries, 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.  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 this particular spell.  Specific evidence and careful argumentation are the best ways to convince your audience.

            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 or book, chapter, and section numbers (e.g. PGM XVI. 1-15 or Iamblichus, De Mysteriis, VII.3), whereas modern secondary material should be cited by page number (e.g., Graf, Magic in the Ancient World, pp. 13-22 or Smith, J.Z., "Trading Places," p. 16).

            Both parts of the final exam are due in my office no later than noon on Friday, May 16.  You should send the file via email (as .doc, docx, or. pdf), but please make sure that I have acknowledged receipt of the file before you consider it turned in.. Extensions in finals period are negotiable only through the Dean’s Office.