Living in Southeast Asia and being Southeast Asian often entails an implicit understanding and awareness of magic in some form. But the crucial question to ask is: what IS magic?

Across Southeast Asia there are many forms of magic, whether rooted in animistic, indigenous or folk practices, or in the syncretic practices of 'world religions'. Many beliefs and practices are simply accepted as an indubitable norm, and although sometimes we may not realise it, many of our everyday practices, habits and rituals are based in some sort of magical or spiritual belief that we simply accept as true.

The course GEC1046, Magic Myths will dig deeper into these realities and explore what magic means in Southeast Asia. Not only do we examine local beliefs or adaptations of larger faith systems in the region, but we also look into how religious miracles are in themselves magical. We explore how magic happens, what people believe in, and how magic is seen and manifested - and why people might or might not believe in it.

This course provides you with an alternative view of the world, tucked away in natural spaces, almost unseen between the shiny skyscrapers of modern Southeast Asia, yet always alive and thriving in a world that we sometimes barely discern. This module will examine the duality that magic envelopes; at once the secret hand behind myriad facets of life, from politics to love and living; yet simply accepted as an obvious given. Magic and mythmaking alleviate fear, help people cope with change and the unknown, and make the intangible, tangible. Whether you believe in magic or not, taking this course will help you realise that magic really is almost everywhere in Southeast Asia - and discover its role in righting injustices, recording denied history, and highlighting gender inequalities.