Academic Study of Esotericism

In recent years there has been a proliferation of courses relating to esotericism, belief, pagan religion and magic. Below we list courses we know about, including bachelor's Degrees, MA's, opportunities for doctoral research, as well evening classes held at recognized colleges. Tutors and course conveners are invited to submit details of their courses for listing here: we aim for our listing to be a resource for prospective students.

MA in Western Esotericism
University of Exeter, UK

The Master’s programme in Western Esotericism introduces students to this new and expanding field of academic study, providing an adequate grounding in its historical, theological, and philosophical aspects. The MA course is designed to enable students to Investigate the Western esoteric tradition from the Hellenistic period in late antiquity through the Renaissance and early modern period to the present.

There are three main objectives. Firstly, to develop an understanding of the fundamental characteristics which define esoteric spirituality (correspondences,living nature, intermediaries and hierarchies, transmutation of the soul). This spirituality often manifests as a form of religious experience while offering a perspective upon the individual soul in the context of nature and the universe. Secondly, to gain insight into the social, religious and philosophical changes, which are conducive to the development of esotericism. Thirdly, to study a number of primary sources showing the changing content, concerns, and purposes of esotericism over the centuries.

Students begin with a historical survey course entitled The Western Esoteric Traditions (a compulsory core module) in order to appreciate the broad scope and common features of this spirituality. The optional modules then provide more specialised studies in the component traditions and subjects of Hermeticism, Neo-Platonism, Theurgy, Astrology, Alchemy, Kabbalah, Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, Romantic Natural Science, and Modern Esotericism. Students will be introduced to subjects that are spiritually subtle, theologically complex and intellectually demanding. Many sources for the earlier historical periods are in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin but much is available in English translation. For more details see: http://www.huss.ex.ac.uk/postgrad/ma/esotericism.htm

MA in Cosmology and Divination
University of Kent

The programme consists of both taught and research elements, in which the student will approach both historical and modern theories of interpretation through various study methods: the reading of primary texts, comparative studies and analytical studies of divinatory practices in the context of historical and cutltural cosmologies. Divinatory practices and beliefs are considered inthe light of traditional metaphysics, artistic, magical and religious forms, contemporary psychological theories and sceptical critiques. The course is structured as follows (in brief):

Core Modules
•  Interpreting the Heavens: Theories and Methods in the Study of Cosmology and Divination
•  The Hermeneutics of Astrological, Cosmological and Symbolic Texts and Images

Two of the following three research modules
•  Cosmology and the Arts
•  The Intelligible Cosmos
•  Critical Perspectives on Religious Experience

Further information about the programme:
Dr. Angela Voss, SECL, Cornwallis Building, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NF
Tel.: +44 (0)1227 824 411 / e-mail: A.Voss@kent.ac.uk
http://www.kent.ac.uk/secl/thrs/postgrad/MACosDiv/ma-cosdiv.htm

History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents
University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) is the world’s first academic institution to have created a complete programme for research and teaching in the field of western esotericism. This programme is called “Geschiedenis van de Hermetische Filosofie en Verwante Stromingen” (GHF). It was was founded in 1999 as a new subdepartment (“leerstoelgroep”) at the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Amsterdam. Its primary tasks are teaching and research in the domain of “History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents” (Western Esotericism).

Address: Oude Turfmarkt 147, 1012 GC Amsterdam. The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 (0)20 525 3571 / e-mail: Hermetica-fgw@uva.nl
Website: http://www.amsterdamhermetica.nl/

European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism

ESSWE is a learned society, established in 2005 to advance the academic study of the various manifestations of Western Esotericism from late antiquity to the present, and to secure the future development of the field.
Website: http://www.esswe.org/