Expanding the Ancient World Workshop

This workshop will take place online; a Zoom link will be provided via email to registered participants.

Registration is required at THIS LINK.

Expanding the Ancient World is a series of professional development workshops and online resources for teachers. Keyed to the NYC Department of Education Social Studies Scope and Sequence, this program is designed to offer K-12 educators opportunities to develop their knowledge of the ancient world and to provide classroom-ready strategies for teaching the past with reliable sources. Featuring inquiry-based workshops, flexible lesson plans, and up-to-date research, Expanding the Ancient World aims to equip teachers with information and skills that they can share with their students. CTLE credits will be offered to New York State teachers.

This online workshop delves into how ancient people harnessed the power of the supernatural – from invoking demons to appealing to ancestral spirits. Through a series of object-based learning activities, we will explore spells, charms, and rituals that were used by magicians and witches to navigate the often-dangerous forces and entities that occupied the material and immaterial worlds. But we will also learn how people used magic for a variety of purposes and needs in everyday life. We'll consider the broader relationships between magic and religion, and how magic is still very much a part of our lives today, often in unexpected ways! While the workshop is digital, the activities are aimed to be usable both online and in the classroom.

We welcome teachers to bring their classes to visit the exhibition Cursed! The Power of Magic in the Ancient World, which is on view at ISAW through December 13, 2026.

Workshop led by Carl Walsh (ISAW Assistant Curator) and Leopoldo Fox-Zampiccoli (ISAW PhD Student).

Participants will receive 1.5 CTLE hours.

If you have any questions regarding the Expanding the Ancient World program please email ETAW@nyu.edu.

Please check isaw.nyu.edu for event updates.

ISAW is committed to providing a positive and educational experience for all guests and participants who attend our public programming. We ask that all attendees follow the guidelines listed in our community standards policy.