Occultism, Postcoloniality, and Modernism Named one of the 17 Most Innovative Courses of the 2019/2020 Academic Year

March 04, 2020

#10: Occultism, Postcoloniality, and Modernism

Instructed by Dr. Gauri Viswanathan at Columbia University

Here in New York City, it’s common to find groups of students huddled together in chic coffee shops, reading tarot cards. Walk down any street in East Village and you might be lured in to the home of a self-proclaimed fortune teller who — for just $10–– will make vague claims about your future. Shops which sell enchantments can be found in various pockets of the city. And online, Instagram accounts that share astrology memes are followed by hundreds of thousands of social media users.

These practices find their basis in the traditions of the Occult– but the contemporary understanding of them is a far cry from the understandings held in the 1600s, when women (and men) were persecuted and hanged for (allegedly) practicing witchcraft. So, what’s changed?

In Occultism, Postcoloniality, and Modernism celebrated Columbia University professor Dr. Gauri Viswanathan explores antiquated and modern occult devices from a historical and literary perspective.


Occultism, Postcoloniality, and Modernism

School: Columbia University

Course: Occultism, Postcoloniality, and Modernism

Instructor: Dr. Gauri Viswanathan

Link to post: https://medium.com/campuswire/10-occultism-postcoloniality-and-modernism-8948191d3e86

Link to full article: https://medium.com/campuswire/17-of-the-most-innovative-courses-of-the-2019-2020-academic-year-974933154e97