Magical studies

The University of Exeter, UK, has announced its groundbreaking Master of Arts in Magic and Occult Science, which will start in September 2024. The new program has captured imaginations and sparked heated debates.

According to the university, the course brings together academics from diverse fields such as history, literature, philosophy, archaeology, sociology, psychology, drama, and religion. Together, they will examine the role of magic and the occult in both Western and Eastern cultures, challenging conventional perceptions, and encouraging a deeper understanding of the global influence of magic and the occult on society and science.

Professor Emily Selove, the course leader, emphasized the program's relevance to contemporary society.

"A recent surge in interest in magic and the occult inside and outside of academia lies at the heart of the most urgent questions of our society," she said in an interview with the BBC. "Decolonization, the exploration of alternative epistemologies, feminism and anti-racism are at the core of this program."

Interestingly, the University of Exeter could boast a magical connection of its own, since the renowned author of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling, had also studied at this institution. However, not everyone is enchanted by the idea. Critics on social media have mocked the degree, describing it as "insane" and a "waste of money".

But the university stands firm in its commitment to offering a unique educational experience, saying on its official website that graduates of this MA program will be well-equipped for a multitude of careers, from teaching and counseling to heritage preservation, arts organizations, and even the publishing industry.

Cat and mouse

Thanks to the integration of smartphone technology and GPS tracking, a beloved childhood game, hide-and-seek, has received a modern makeover.

Dubbed "citywide hide-and-seek", this contemporary twist on a classic has captivated Chinese young people with its unique blend of physical activity, nostalgia, and social interaction.

Under the cloak of darkness, participants — often a few dozen — scatter across broad city areas, usually inside a park. With the help of real-time location updates, they take on the roles of "cats" and "mice", monitor each other's location on their phones and the cats start searching for the mice in the real world.

Before the game begins, each cat receives a fluorescent stick, while each mouse is given two fluorescent wristbands to distinguish them from pedestrians. Every mouse caught must surrender one wristband to the cat and they will then transform into a cat. When the game ends, the one who collects the most wristbands becomes the "Cat King", while the last mouse standing earns the title of "Mouse King".

According to Zhu Jun, a therapy psychologist at Shandong Mental Health Center, "citywide hide-and-seek" serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of real-life social interactions and the need for moments of relaxation and connection in today's fast-paced world.

"When adults participate in childhood games like hide-and-seek, they tend to regress to a childlike state psychologically, allowing them to immerse themselves in pure joy, which promotes better social interaction," Zhu said in an interview with Qilu Evening News.