Witches and Witch-Hunts B (V1473B)
Special Subject: Witches and Witch-Hunts Part B
Module V1473B
Module details for 2021/22.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 6
Module Outline
This module examines witchcraft beliefs and the witch-hunts that occurred across Europe and Colonial America between 1500 and 1750. We will consider the origins of medieval witchcraft beliefs, as well as the legacy of supernatural beliefs in the modern world. There were an estimated 100,000 trials of witchcraft in the early modern period, and almost half the number of executions. Witch-hunts were overwhelmingly directed against women, but it was not solely a female crime. One quarter of witchcraft trials in Germany were of men; over 95% of witchcraft trials in Iceland were male. How can we explain the gendering of witchcraft beliefs? And how can we explore the psychological complexities of the witchcraft trial: the motives of the interrogators, the role of torture, and the emotions of the accused? Why did some people voluntarily confess to this crime, and how did others avoid the stake, as almost half of accused witches did? Did stereotypes of the witch match up to the reality of those who were accused? Part A of this module (autumn term) will cover key topics and themes such as the origins of the diabolical pact; the gendering of witchcraft: male witches, youth, and old age; emotions and witchcraft; methodologies for reading witch-trials; witchcraft in the early modern community. We will examine a range of primary sources, including trial transcripts and pamphlets, demonological treatises, and visual representations of the witch. In Part B, we will continue to explore these key themes through a variety of case studies, including the witch-hunts in England, the Salem witch panic, demonic possession, witchcraft in literature and the stage, and the material culture of witchcraft.
Module learning outcomes
Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of a closely defined topic.
Situate, evaluate and analyse primary historical sources.
Relate the interpretation of primary sources to secondary interpretations.
Construct sophisticated written arguments that demonstrate intellectual maturity and integrity.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 50.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Essay | T2 Week 7 | 100.00% |
| Essay (4000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Thu 16:00 | 50.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Seminar | 2 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Claudia Siebrecht
Assess convenor
/profiles/279145
Dr Hana Qugana
Assess convenor
/profiles/526043
Prof Martin Francis
Assess convenor
/profiles/370844
Dr Laura Kounine
Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/396225
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