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Supernatural studies in universities
By Candy Tong
Magic, Myth
and Supernatural, a course offered by the Anthropology Department at
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, examines supernatural beliefs and
phenomena.
Regarding the reasons students take the course, Prof. Joseph Bosco of the Anthropology Department said, “When university students start to worry about their future, they may want to seek help from supernatural power.”
In some cases, they may believe in supernatural power when others tell them it is trustworthy.
Societies have been established in universities to accommodate the rising curiosity of students about supernatural power.
For instance, The Secret Studies Society at the Chinese University was established 10 years ago. It recruits roughly 100 members every year.
According to Kenneth Yung, chairman of the society, the society aims at encouraging members to learn more about the wisdom of the ancients through examining supernatural phenomena.
Activities such as courses in palmistry and divination are organized according to its members’ interests.
Although interest in supernatural power prevails on university campuses, Prof. Bosco said that youngsters are generally less superstitious than adults.
“The old thoughts that applied to adults no longer suit teenagers. Instead, they like to look for their own beliefs and find their own bliss,” he explained.
“University students are still young. When they get older, they may start worrying about death and become more superstitious.
“University students tend to mix the supernatural with fun,” said Prof. Bosco.
He added that modernized fortune- telling practices such as divining on the Internet have become popular because young people like to try new things.