Party questions appropriateness of Magic

13 August 08

Party questions appropriateness of Magic on syllabus

Family Party deputy leader Paul Adams has questioned the relevance of a paper on Magic and Witchcraft being undertaken by students at Massey University.

Spells, magical curses and voodoo dolls are all part of the new paper 'Magic and Witchcraft,' which is a 100-level extramural paper offered this semester at the university's school of history, philosophy and classics.

"I have two main concerns. The credibility of our education system relies on studies that are relevant to New Zealand's social and economic future. This paper clearly doesn't fit that criteria. Secondly, I have to question the appropriateness of a course on magic, which doesn't exactly fit comfortably with our country's profound Christian Heritage," says Mr Adams.

Senior classics lecturer Gina Salapata said 120 students enrolled in the paper. "So far I've received everything from `voodoo' dolls to elaborate curses," said Dr Salapata."

"Tax payers invest a lot of money into the education of young people and those who will carry our economy into the future. We need to know that investment is being wisely spent," he added.

ENDS

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