Occult Media

Course Code: CM 245 NE (online-English)

Course Dates: Starts April 4th 2011

Instructor: Jason Lawton Winslade

Description:

When occultism and esoteric practices are presented in popular media, they offer a unique opportunity to study the dissemination of esoteric knowledge to the masses as well as analyze cultural representations of magickal philosophy and alternative religions. From representations of magick and witchcraft on television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural to occult narratives focused on revealing secrets like The X-Files and Lost, from the creation of occult folklore in The Blair Witch Project to the sensationalized representation of witches and Freemasons on The History Channel, or in reality shows like Wife Swap or Mad Mad House, popular media is full of cultural messages about occultism. Are the messages simply one of condemnation or sensationalism, or are there deeper messages at play? Can occult content on television engage the audience and offer the possibility for creative interpretation through fandom?

In this course, we will study the esoteric themes inherent to media theory, and focus on notions of participatory culture, where fans approach media in creative and magickal ways. We will analyze particular television shows and fan creations that deal with either occult themes or represent occult practitioners, and investigate how audiences consciously utilize media to critique and question cultural values and even create magickal experiences. As part of the Creative Arts track, students interested in video production or in creating new media will have the opportunity to address the esoteric through their own creative work.

Required text:

Metaphysical Media: The Occult Experience in Popular Culture by Emily D. Edwards, Southern Illinois University Press, 2005.
Course packet with selected readings.

Prerequisites: CC 176 Occultism in Popular Culture

Suggested Complementary Courses:
WE 101 Introduction to Western Esotericism
CL 201 Lovecraft: Writings and Mythos
CD 135 Occultism in Western Theatre and Performance

Languages: English only. Our English language requirements do apply to this course.

Delivery: Online only. A substantial amount of reading material will be made available to students through our online learning centre.

Due to its practical nature, this course cannot be audited.
Scholarships apply for this course.

Week 1	Metaphysical media: occultism and media studies
Week 2	Magick and Witchcraft in Media and Television
Week 3	Uncovering the Secret: Occult Narratives
Week 4	Reality tv and initiation
Week 5	Documentaries, faux docs, and DIY
Week 6	Research paper and/or creative project due Oral presentation of research paper Learning Journal due