HISTORY 268 - 010: WITCHCRAFT
M/W 3:30-4:45
PRN 234
Carole Haber
Office: Munroe 237
Hours: M: 2:30-3:30; W 10-11
syllabus web page address: www.udel.edu/History/chaber/witchcraft.html
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Course Objectives
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This class is intended to develop -- or improve -- your writing, analytic
and oral skills. Its objectives are many:
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First, we shall
examine the issue of witchcraft and witch-hunting as a historical problem.
We shall explore the numerous theories and methods historians have employed
to explain the phenomenon of witchcraft. As we shall see, the same story
can be told numerous ways, depending on the historian's choice of evidence,
theory, and explanation. In reading these historians, you need to
examine carefully how they use theory and evidence and how they create
historical arguments.
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Second, we shall use primary
source materials that focus on witchcraft and witch-hunting. In so
doing, you will be asked to select evidence and explanations and create
your own historical explanations of the past.
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Third, you will write (and rewrite)
two short papers that develop your writing skills. Each paper will
be at least 3 1/2 typed pages. It will be graded on your ability
to express yourself and your theories coherently. After each paper,
you will meet with me to go over your writing and improve your work.
You will also be asked to do two short writing assignments (a paragraph
or two each) and a library scavenger hunt.
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Fourth, the class will be based
largely on discussions and oral presentations focusing on your ability
to present your ideas clearly.
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Fifth, you will be required
to turn in a final research paper of 7 or more typed papers. It must
have a developed thesis (with a thesis statement), be based on primary
research, and use at least 5 outside sources not used by the class.
It should reflect much of what you have learned in the course.
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Course Requirements and Policies
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Although attendance will not
be taken, it is impossible to do well in this course if you do not attend.
We will have several exercises, debates, and discussions. All papers
must be turned in (in class) on the day they are due, or they will be lowered
one grade. Do not place them in the my box, or under the door.
The short papers can be rewritten. On the first paper, only the final
rewrite grade will count; on the second the grades will be averaged.
The rewrites are must be turned in at no later than the class period before
the next paper is due. The readings will be discussed on the day
they are due. All the articles are on electronic reserve. Please
run them off and bring them to class. The weeks that we have conferences,
we will not have class. Please check the syllabus for these weeks.
In addition, we will not have class on March 20th when I will be at a conference.
I can be reached through the history office, or by email, which I check
regularly.
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Grading, Evaluation Policies and Procedures
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First two papers
20% each
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2 writing assignments
10%
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library exercise
5%
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Class discussion
20%
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Final paper
25%
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Texts/Resources/Readings/Supplies
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Required Texts
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Boyer and Nissenbaum
Salem Possessed
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Kors and Peters
Witchcraft in Europe
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Hall, David D.
Witch-Hunting in 17th Century New England
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Articles on electronic reserve
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All articles listed can be found on electronic reserve for History 268-010.
The link to electronic reserve is:
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electronic
reserve
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Study Tips/Learning Resources
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There are no secrets to doing
well in this course. Very simply, come to class, read the assigned
materials on the day they are due, and turn your papers in on time.
Even if you think your paper is terrible, turn it in so that we can work
on the rewrite. You will save yourself an automatic reduction on
your paper, and it will give us material on which to work. Don't
be defensive or insulted if your papers come back with a lot of corrections.
Look at the rules we have outlined as you write. The best writers
go through numerous drafts. For the last paper, we will have conferences
as the the paper is written. Finally, participate in class discussion.
Even if you feel that what you have to say is not brilliant, it may lead
to other insights.
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Course Calendar
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February 6
Introduction
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February 11
General Historiography
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due: electronic
reserve
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Monter, "The Historiography of European Witchcraft"
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February 13
European precedents
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due: electronic
reserve
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Levack, "The Intellectual Foundations"
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February 18
European precedents:
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due: electronic
reserve
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Daly, "European Witchburnings: Purifying the Body of Christ"
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February 20
European precendents:
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due: electronic
reserve
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Thomas, "Witchcraft and Its Social Environment"
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February 25
Writing a paper:
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Rules for writing
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Definition of plagiarism and how to avoid it
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Writing assignment: to be emailed by March 5th: chaber@udel.edu
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February 27
European primary sources
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In Kors, and Peters, pp. 105-189
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Kramer and Sprenger, "The Malleus Maleficarum"
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March 4
European primary sources:
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In Kors, and Peters, pp. 266-275; 229-235
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"The Confessions of the Chelmsford Witches
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"The Trial of Suzanne Gaudry"
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March 6
European primary sources
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In Kors, and Peters, pp. 293-309; 342-350
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"Witchcraft and Philosphical Spiritualism"
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"Demonology as Unsound Philosophy"
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discussion of writing assignment
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March 11
First paper due; in class debate
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March 13-18
Conferences in 237 Munroe: sign up sheet.
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March 20
No class
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March 25
Theories of American Witchcraft
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due: electronic
reserve
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Demos, "Underlying Themes in the Witchcraft in 17th Century New England"
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Kibbey, "Mutations of the Supernatural"
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library assignment distributed
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March 27
Theories of American Witchcraft
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due: electronic
reserve
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Demos, "A Diabolical Distemper"
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Karlsen, "Economic Basis of Witchcraft"
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April 8-15th
Salem Possessed
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due 4/8: 1-80
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4/10 : 80-153
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4/15 : 153-222
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April 17
Salem Sources
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due: In Hall, pp. 281-314
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In Kors and Peters, pp. 276-279
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library assignment due
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April 22
Second paper due
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In class debate
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April 24-29
Conferences
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May 1
Literature and Witchcraft
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Fairy Tales:
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due: electronic
reserve
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selections from Grimms' Fairy Tales
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May 6th
Hall, cases: 2, 3, 6, 7, 11, 14, 17
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May 8-13
Conferences on papers
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Second writing assignment due at conference
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May 15
Paper discussion in class
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May 22
Final papers due
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12 noon; history office
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Interesting links you may wish to consult:
salem
documents
salem
witchtrials
witchcraft bibliography
