ENGLISH 176CNS
Literature, Magic, and the Occult
Julianne Werlin, Priscilla Wald
Description from DukeHub
From messages to the beyond and apocalyptic visions, from alchemical formulas to shamanic rituals, this course will explore the rich history of the relationships among literature, magic, and the occult: the desire to reveal universal laws and alter personal fates, to accrue unearthly powers and command demons, to save the soul from death, and we will look closely at the magical cosmos from which even the most seemingly earthly literature derives its power. Readings will include Shakespeare, Marlowe, Goethe, Blake, and Hurston.
Skills
- writingdepartment: ENGLISH
AI-resilient: 2 of 5
- No: Physical, lab or field work
- No: Live work with people
- Yes: Judgment someone is accountable for · "laws"
- No: A craft you practice with your hands or body
- Yes: Small, in-person format · seminar, 18 seats per section
The checks lean on Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025), which found generative AI applies least to physical work and hands-on work with people. A signal, not a promise. How the score works
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