HIST 361(F) Salem Witchcraft

In 1692, Salem, Massachusetts, became the center of an unusually large concentration of accusations of witchcraft, a common occurrence in contemporary Europe but rare in the British American colonies. For 300 years scholars, novelists, and (now) film-makers have used this event as a window into religious, economic, and political change in early modern Euro-American culture; recently gender and sexuality have been placed at the center of the analysis. We will survey the vast literature (including published primary sources) on Salem, look at the politics of witchcraft in Europe for comparative purposes, and give a close critical reading to two recent films on the Salem event and Arthur Miller's earlier versions of The Crucible. Students will write a series of short analytical papers on readings and films, then write a research paper on some aspect of the historical problems we raise.
Evaluation will be based on this written work and participation in class discussion. Enrollment limited. Groups A and D

Hour:  TRACY