Courses

 Between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries, fear of witchcraft spread across Europe and the New World, leading to the prosecution of over one hundred thousand alleged witches. Historians continue to debate the causes and consequences of the witch hunts, often starting with analysis of large-scale political and religious upheavals, philosophical revolutions, socio-economic changes, and other historical data. In this class, we will start with stories, images, and documents: the narratives of the accused, witch-hunters, and judges; contemporary treatises, journalism, and openly fictional accounts; popular woodcuts, engravings, and paintings; depositions, trial transcripts, and judicial reports. We will look particularly closely at legal events: what happened in courtrooms, interrogation rooms, torture chambers, places of execution. We will examine well-known cases in England and New England, but also less well-known cases in Scotland, Germany, Mexico, and more. In addition to traditional seminar discussions, class sessions may include simulations, scene staging, and in-class writing exercises (creative and expository).

        To apply, please email Professor Peters ([email protected]) with the following information: year, school, major or program; relevant courses you’ve taken or other experience studying early modern texts; and a sentence or two on why you’d like to take the course.