The goal of Visions of the Occult is to dive deeper into the study of Western Esotericism. In this three-week summer course, you will study in-person with some of the most respected academics in the fields of esotericism, alchemy, gnosticism, art and occultism, conspiracy theories, the New Age, and psychedelic culture. During 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. This program is offered in cooperation with the Centre for the History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents, the world’s leading institute for academic research and teaching in the field of Western esotericism, located at the University of Amsterdam.
Course leader
Dr. Marco Passi and Dr. Christian Greer.
Target group
For current university students (advanced Bachelors, Masters, Postgraduate) and professionals from any discipline who already have a background in studying and thinking about these topics. A general interest in the humanities and social sciences and an open mind are necessary.
Applicants who do not yet have a solid grounding in academic, professional or personal knowledge of these topics are requested to apply for our online winter programme, Introduction to Western Esotericism. Participants who have compelted the introductory winter programmes are prepared to register for this summer programme, and can immediately apply for it.
Course aim
Visions of the Occult is an advanced-level summer programme with the goal of bringing together participants who are passionate about how the esoteric and the occult, to delve deeply into how these studies, traditions, and related currents can be comprehended through developing a flexible yet rigorous scholarly framework.
Throughout this programme, participants 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. These traditions are diverse, and are drawn upon by many historical, cultural, scientific, religious, and artistic movements and expressions, and have come to permeate many aspects of historical and contemporary life.
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. During the programme, participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Embassy of the Free Mind, home to the Ritman Library: the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica.
Fee info
EUR 1650: The tuition fee includes all course materials, excursions and events, lunch on class days and a public transportation card.
EUR 650: Approximate housing fee for the duration of the course. Arranging housing through our office is optional.
Scholarships
Please see our website for scholarship information and deadlines.
For further information, please click the "LINK TO ORIGINAL" button below.