Is 'witchcraft' a suitable syllabus topic for Massey University?

Section of a painting of voodoo figure Baron Samedi by Auckland artist Maya Dorcil. Photo Herald on Sunday, Getty Images

Opinion

Magic and Witchcraft, is a 100-level extramural paper offered this semester at the university's school of history, philosophy and classics.

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.

For the first assignment students had to create a magical curse tablet or erotic charm - however, the fanciful assignments have to be backed up with research.

Debate on this issue is now closed. Here is a selection of Your Views: