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MO3048   Witches and Witch-hunting in Early Modern Europe

Academic year(s): 2018-2019

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: See http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/infoug/ugtimetable

This module will investigate the ways in which the 'witch' became a culturally significant figure in continental Europe between the fourteenth and seventeenth centuries, the object of intense legal, religious, political and cultural scrutiny and debate. Drawing on material from Germany, France, Italy and England the course will explain how and why the early modern period witnessed a 'witchcraze', a period of unprecedented persecution. It will ask how ideas about witchcraft and magic were shaped by the religious, social and political upheavals of the period. Throughout, it will draw on a wide variety of primary source material, both textual and visual.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass at least 60 credits from {MO1007, MO1008, MO2008, HI2001, MH2002}

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour seminar, plus 1 office hour.

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 3-hour Written Examination = 60%, Coursework = 40%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 60%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 40%

Re-assessment: 4,000 - to 5,000-word essay = 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Dr B Heal