HIS 471/472: The European Witch Craze
(formerly HIS 403)

Between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, many Europeans became increasingly concerned about the phenomenon of witchcraft, viewing accused witches as enemies of society and pawns of the devil, who needed to be eliminated. This time of heightened fear and panic often has been dubbed "the Witch Craze", and can be seen as an illustration of a society in transition. This course traces the intellectual, religious and social changes in society responsible for new ideas and beliefs towards witchcraft, as well as explores the growing fear of witches and the ensuing hysteria and persecutions that gripped Europe.