A History of Magic

The Assignment

Due Date: April 23, 2026

Overview: Your task is to create an object of magical significance to you with your own hands. You should learn how to create this object (and should not already know how to create it). It can be a functional object, purely ornamental, or a mixture of both (or, really, anything). However, it must be singular. It is not for reproduction. 

What makes it magical? That is also up to you. You should draw upon our discussions this year (across various types of fantasy literature/storytelling that deal with magic) and create something that represents an intersection of fantasy and reality. It might be something that is fantastical, but you are going to make it real. Do not undertake anything that would be dangerous when constructing your object (if you are unsure, check with me, and we might have to guarantee parental supervision). After the due date, you will present your object to the class and explain/argue what makes it magical. You will also leave it behind for museum-like display purposes. The presentation will be part of the collateral. You will also include a handwritten page that presents your argument formally. The argument should reference the texts that inform your argument (they could be literary or visual texts we read in class or folkloric, mythological, historical texts you researched, etc.). You should also explain what research you conducted to learn how to build your item. Here are the overall components:

1. The magical object itself

2. The handwritten argument

3. A display for the object, a museum placard that concisely describes what the object is, why it is magical, and how it was made.

4. A works cited list on a separate page

5. A two minute presentation in class where you explain the item and you present the broad argument for its magical properties

6. A conference with Mr. Sweeney where he questions you about your argument and you defend the validity of the argument