HIS306 European Witch Craze

An examination of the belief in and persecution of witches in Europe from the late medieval to the early modern period. Particular emphasis on why women were overwhelmingly identified with, and accused of practicing, harmful magic, and how attitudes about sexuality and gender roles-as well as the impact of religious, economic and political changes-shaped the anatomy of the witch hunts. Interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the witch stereotype will also be discussed. Prerequisite: HIS 111 or HIS 212. WS