HS1DDW-Demons and Demonologists: Witchcraft in Early Modern Europe

Module Provider: History
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Helen Parish
Email: h.l.parish@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module will examine the ways in which the figure of the witch shaped and was shaped by the religious, social, cultural and political context of early modern Europe. We will engage with the key questions that inform research and writing on this topic, and use a wide range of primary source materials to examine the multiple voices that are present in narratives of witchcraft in this period. This module is optional for SINGLE HONOURS STUDENTS ONLY.

Aims:

This module aims to investigate the extent to which there existed coherent ideas about witchcraft and demonic magic, and the impact that learned debates about witchcraft and demons had upon popular beliefs about the supernatural. It will offer intriguing insights into early modern mentalities, and explore the relationship between witchcraft and religion, magic and science, fear and disaster.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

• identify the sources of the topic in question


• trace its historical development


• be aware of differing historiographical interpretations of the pattern and causes of this development


• understand how ideas and events are shaped by their historical contexts


• organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing, both under timed conditions and in assessed coursework


• demonstrate familiarity with bibliographical conventions and mastery of library skills.

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims:

• to encourage students to think independently 


• to help students develop good oral and written communication skills 


• to develop the effectiveness of students in group situations 


• to develop IT skills through the use of relevant resources. 

Outline content:

The starting point for this module will be one of the most infamous and controversial books of the early modern period, the Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches), which has been blamed for the death of tens of thousands of women and men. Its instructions on the identification, prosecution, and punishment of witches arguably did much to pave the way for the great witch-hunts of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in Europe and in the New World. Printed treatises such as theMalleus Maleficarum had the potential to do much to raise awareness of witchcraft, and focus attention upon the alleged pact between the witch and the devil.  But were the fears expressed in the literature borne out in reality? Why did the people of early modern Europe fear witches – or witchcraft – so much, and what were the concerns and motivations of those who persecuted and prosecuted witches, and those who made accusations against their neighbours? Seminars will focus upon key primary source texts and discussion of the more recent historiography of witchcraft. Topics for discussion will include the problems (and value) of academic research into magic and witchcraft, the compilation and context of the Malleus Maleficarum, the intellectual origins of the witch hunt, demonologists and their beliefs, the accusations levelled against witches, and the relationship between witchcraft and misfortune, weather, gender, and children. We will also examine arange of trial records and other primary sources from the British and European context.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching is by eight two-hour seminars over one term. Students are reminded to email their tutors for help and advice whenever needed and to note office hours.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	16
Tutorials	10
Guided independent study:	74
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Written exam 50% 

one 1-hour unseen paper requiring 1 answer

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written assignment of c. 1,250 words, to be submitted via Blackboard on Turnitin, by 12 noon on the submission deadline in Week 11 specified on the module site on Blackboard. Five marks will be deducted if the coursework exceeds 1,312 words (i.e. 5% over the word limit).

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Where a re-sit is permitted, students will be assessed on the failed element(s) only in August. Any element(s) already passed will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. The module mark will be capped at a maximum of 40%. Failed coursework must be re-submitted by 12 noon, on the last Friday of August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023