Magic, Witchcraft, & Anc. Myst. Cult
FINAL EXAM Study Guide Dr. Judy Turner
S’09, CLT 3930, sec.0007
Exam total = 200 pts.
T.A.s: L.Bunge; H.Smith
FINAL EXAM is TUESDAY, 4/28, 3-5 P.M.
***Exam will be based upon class studies, assignments. DO NOT research answers for this Study Guide &
Final Exam test items on the Internet. Use only our studies. ***
Part I: Transliterate into ancient Greek: (10 pts.=10 words @ 1 pt. ea.)
( To Do on Exam sheet)
Study/review Greek alphabet & Transliteration rules.
Know all letters of Greek alphabet (upper & lower cases).
Know rules for smooth, rough breathing marks.
Know long, short vowels (i.e., eta,epsilon; omega, omicron.)
Study compound Greek letters, such as chi, theta, phi, psi.
***Parts II (Short Essays) & III (Main Essay) should be written in separate Blue books.***
BRING 2 BLUEBOOKS. Do not tear out pages or write in bluebooks before exam begins.
Part II: Short Essays (90 pts.= 2 @ 45 pts. ea.) from lecs., Readings, & videos.
*Actual Exam Groups A & B will be shorter versions (probably 3 options in each Group) of Groups
below:
Discuss main significance & important details of ONE item from each Group below. Cite specifics.
Group A
Group B
1. Exorcism (& varieties-from class video)
1. ancient Alchemy
2. hist. of Vampires (class video)
2 . Relig./spiritual sig. in Apuleius, Golden Ass
3. ancient Visits to Underworld
3. Dionysos relig./mystery cult, & Euripides’ “Bacchae”
4. ancient Astrology
4. Voodoo-.main beliefs & practices (class video)
5. healing & ritual in Asklepios cults
5. Orphism & Pythagoreanism
Part III: MAIN ESSAY (100 pts.) Write an essay answering ONE of 2 choices on exam.
Sample questions appear below. Actual exam questions will be very similar.
Hints: 1. Read question carefully and make sure essay answers question as posed on the exam sheet.
2. Write a brief outline of 3-4 points which you think would comprise a good answer to the question.
3. When writing essay answer, be sure to have specific examples to illustrate/prove your general
points.
4. Budget exam time. You should have ample time (2 hours).
Sample Main Essay Questions:
#1. Based upon studies in this course, discuss main ancient views about:
a) concepts of a deceased person’s soul/psychē (Homer’s view vs. Mystery religions’ views) ;
AND
b) some main presumed powers of the dead—include specific examples of magic use of the deceased
in necromancy & examples of why haunting occurs.
Conclude with brief comments on whether some of these beliefs persist today.
***
#2. From our studies this term, especially since the Midterm, compare & contrast the underlying
PREMISE for & USE of:
‘altered states,’ ‘trance/possession’, or ‘transformation’, as applicable in THREE (3) separate,
major examples (such as: Shamanism (ancient/modern); Dionysos mysteries (& maenads); Voodoo;
spiritual Alchemy; Isis mysteries).
Good Luck & have a great summer !!!