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Cultural Studies & Philosophy

Forbidden Knowledge: Introduction to Esotericism

When:

20 January - 31 January 2025

School:

University of Amsterdam Summer School

Institution:

University of Amsterdam

Type:

Online

City:

Amsterdam

Country:

Netherlands

Language:

English

Credits:

4 EC

Fee:

875 EUR

Interested?
Forbidden Knowledge: Introduction to Esotericism

About

In this two-week online winter course, we will investigate the key thematic aspects of Western esotericism, as they have manifested themselves historically within currents such as Hermeticism, gnosticism, astrology, alchemy, magic, to name but a few. This programme will feature various guest sessions from prominent figures in the study of esotericism.

During online sessions and in guided-self study, classes, students will make use of primary sources, as well as secondary literature that clarify the way in which esoteric ideas have circulated and continue to circulate in both mainstream culture and more marginal contexts. Having completed this online winter programme, students will have acquired a solid overview of the main moments and movements related to the study of Western esotericism, both thematically and historically.

If you're interested in scholarly inquiry into the esoteric and the occult, but don't know where to start, then this programme is ideal for you. Participants from diverse backgrounds from around the world will join us online to study these topics in depth, and introduce each other to varying perspectives, while also locating esotericism within a historical and contemporary scholarly tradition.

Our investigation into representations of the esoteric and the occult will go beyond the written word to include film, music, and graphic novels, as we explore together the important movements in esotericism in the past and reflect on how it manifests itself today, in the present.

Course leader

Dr. J. Christian Greer is a scholar of esotericism specializing in the global history of psychedelic spirituality. He received his PhD (cum laude) in Western esotericism from the History of Hermetic Philosophy department at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). He also holds Masters’ degrees from UvA and Harvard Divinity School.

Target group

Level: Bachelors, Masters, Post Graduates and working professionals.
Background: For who have not yet extensively studied this field. A general interest in the humanities, social sciences and esoteric topics and an open mind are necessary.

Course aim

Having completed this online winter programme, students will have acquired a solid overview of the main moments and movements related to the study of Western esotericism, both thematically and historically. Participants from diverse backgrounds from around the world will join us online to study these topics in depth, and introduce each other to varying perspectives, while also locating esotericism within a historical and contemporary scholarly tradition.

Interested?

When:

20 January - 31 January 2025

School:

University of Amsterdam Summer School

Institution:

University of Amsterdam

Language:

English

Credits:

4 EC

Fee:

875 EUR

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