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Spells, magical curses and voodoo dolls are all part of a new paper being offered at Massey University.
Magic and Witchcraft, is a 100-level extramural paper offered this semester at the university's school of history, philosophy and classics.
Senior classics lecturer Gina Salapata said the 120 students enrolled in the paper studied the use of sorcery in the classical world, medieval and early modern times and in colonial Maori culture.
The idea for the programme grew out of her background in classics, she said.
"I had thought it would be good to have a paper on magic and witchcraft in my programme," said Dr Salapata.
For the first assignment students had to create a magical curse tablet or erotic charm.
However, the fanciful assignments had to be backed up with research, she said.
"So far I've received everything from 'voodoo' dolls to elaborate curses," said Dr Salapata.
Paper co-ordinator Chris van der Krogt said the lecturers were not advocating witchcraft but were using the theme to open windows to past societies.
"We are putting it in a historical context. I also teach about Christianity, but I'm not advocating it," he said.
- NZPA
