DR. JENRETTE---HIST 313 History of Witchcraft
Office: Hendricks 146 Phone: 732-2575/1225 Email: JJenrette@edinboro.edu
Office Hours: M-R 11-noon; Mon 4-5 (Wiley 107) and by appointment or walk-in!
Webpage: http://users.edinboro.edu/jjenrette/
History 313 examines the history of witchcraft, and allegations of, in Europe and the United
States from the early Middle Ages to the present. It analyzes the role women played in the
“witchcraze” through the 17th century in Europe and New England. Special attention focuses on
the reaction of Christianity to the real and imagined practice of witchcraft.
Required Texts:
Frances Hill, A Delusion of Satan: The Full Story of the Salem Witch Trials
Ellen Barstow, Witchcraze: A New History of the European Witchhunts
Peter Morton, ed. The Trial of Tempel Anneke: Records of a Witchcraft
Trial in Brunswick, Germany, 1663
Katherine Kent, The Heretic’s Daughter
Other readings MAY be announced
Selected Films May be Used:
“Three Sovereigns for Sarah”
“Witchhunter’s Bible”
“The Inquisition”
“The Salem Witches”
“The Salem Witch Trials”
“The Mists of Avalon”
Various other documentaries
Others may be viewed
The Writing Center's location: Rooms 202 and 203 of Baron-Forness Library
 Phone: 732-1493
 Hours: Monday through Thursday 9AM - 8PM, Friday 9AM - 5PM, and Sunday 1PM 8PM
Course Objectives:
1.
To understand the European background to the witchhunts in the US
2.
To understand the different historical interpretations of the witchhunts
3.
To analyze the political, economic, and social causes and implications of the witchhunts
4.
To examine the role of race, class, and gender
5.
To analyze the impact of religion in early US history
6.
To analyze the power of the Christian church in Medieval Europe
7.
To help you improve your analytical skills
8.
To help you improve your communication skills, both oral and written, through class
discussions, papers, quizzes, homework assignments, etc.
9.
To examine your comprehension of the material covered in class lectures, discussions,
workbook assignments, and the textbooks
Course Outcomes:
Each student will have:
1.
a basic knowledge of the key people, events, and issues in the European and New
England witchhunts
2.
knowledge of the impact that mass hysteria has on a culture
3.
basic research, writing, and analytical skills
4.
an understanding of the role(s) that socio-economic and political backgrounds play in the
interpretation of history
5.
enhanced the ability to express and support your own ideas through class discussions,
exams, quizzes, etc.
Basic Ground Rules for Classroom Behavior:
1.
Respect the right of others to have opinions that may differ from yours. Even if you
disagree with someone, you should respect the individual's right to have that opinion.
2.
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated in this class. Disruptive behavior includes
TEXTING DURING CLASS, tardiness, leaving class early, talking, clicking pens,
shuffling papers, book, etc., ringing or vibrating phones, alarming watches, gathering
belongings before class is dismissed, turning work in late. TURN OFF YOUR
CELLPHONES AS SOON AS YOU COME INTO CLASS!! IF YOUR PHONE
RINGS DURING CLASS I WILL DEDUCT 10 POINTS FROM YOUR FINAL
GRADE for each violation. Disruptive behavior also includes you using a laptop
computer to “surf the net” during class. This is distracting to others and
disrespectful. If you cannot use your laptop without going online or to play
computer games, do not bring it to class. 10 points per incident will be deducted
from your final grade.
3.
If you do not adhere to these basic rules of respect for others, you will leave the class
and DROP THIS COURSE!! I WILL NOT TOLERATE THE DISRUPTIVE
BEHAVIOR OF ANY STUDENT WHO ATTEMPTS TO PREVENT OTHERS
FROM LEARNING. I will give you only one warning!!! It will be a verbal warning
in the presence of your classmates. On the second violation, you will be dismissed from
class until you can behave like a mature adult who treats others with respect. If you dare
to violate these rules a third time, I will deduct 30 points from your final grade, which
will make it practically impossible for you to pass this class. CONSEQUENTLY, IF
YOU CANNOT ACCEPT THESE BASIC GUIDELINES, DROP THIS CLASS!!!
4.
Tardiness is unacceptable and disruptive. Do not come to class late! Regular and prompt
class attendance is a requirement. Tardiness will result in the lowering of your course
grade by 10 points per incident; therefore, if you cannot make it to class on time, DROP
THIS CLASS! Leaving class early also fits into this category.
5.
One unexcused absence will be "tolerated" during the semester. After the first cut, I will
deduct 10 points from your final grade for each absence.
6.
Do not socialize, talk in class (unless you are participating in class discussion), or sleep.
If you cannot stay awake in this class, YOU WILL NOT PASS.
7.
Plagiarism/Cheating: The penalty for plagiarism or cheating on any assignment will an F
for the entire semester and you will be referred to the judiciary process for further action.
8.
If you want or need a good grade because you want to transfer to somewhere else or
go to graduate school, are on academic probation, want a scholarship, or just want
good grades THEN DO THE WORK TO EARN a good grade. Do not WASTE
YOUR TIME, OR MINE, telling me you need a good grade the last week of class
if you have not done the work for a good grade. In fact, don’t tell me you need a
good grade at all; if you want a good grade then EARN IT. You will receive the
grade that YOU EARN!
9.
Policy of Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action: Edinboro University welcomes
students, faculty, and staff from all racial, religious, national, and socio-economic
backgrounds. Edinboro University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all
in every aspect of its operations. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the
basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin, disability, organizational
affiliation, sexual orientation, and marital status. The policy extends to all educational,
service, and employment programs of the University.
10.
If you are not here to learn, drop this class.
If you cannot behave like a mature, responsible adult who respects other people, DROP
THIS CLASS.
Methods of Assessment:
1.
Regular and PROMPT class attendance is required. No more than 1 unexcused absence
will be tolerated; after the 1st absence your course grade will be lowered by 10 points per
cut. Tardiness will not be tolerated. If you are late to class, leave early, or are absent,
you are responsible for all material covered during your absence. I will not provide
the lecture material for you. To be counted present in this class, ALL OF YOU
MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE, INCLUDING YOUR BRAIN! DO NOT DAYDREAM! PAY ATTENTION OR DROP THIS CLASS.
2.
Effective reading of Barstow, Hill, Morton, and Kent is expected according to the
schedule. It is your responsibility to look at the schedule and keep up with reading
assignments. If you cannot discuss a reading assignment on the designated date, I will
immediately give you a test. If you have not read assignments, you will leave class
during the discussion.
3.
A.
B.
C.
4.
Research Project. This is designed to serve as the MAJOR research project for the
course. Choose one of the following research options by Monday, Sept. 13; otherwise
you will ALL do Option E. You must submit a one page TYPED proposal for your
research assignment by Monday, Sept. 13. I will NOT accept handwritten proposals.
The proposal must identify what you’re going to do, the goal and the method for
achieving your goal.
Mid-Term Exam.
Final Comprehensive Exam.
No make-up exam will be given without a note from an authorized person.
Excuses offered at the end of the session for missed classes will not be
considered. Exam will be in essay and objective form. Exam date is tentative and
may be changed by the professor if necessary. Authorized persons do not
include you!
Research Project (continued)
A.
Game. Develop a computer or board game that focuses on some aspect of
the history of witchcraft. Teams of 2-3 people.
B.
Documentary. You must include footnotes/endnotes and a bibliography.
C.
Dramatic Performance-Trial. You may, in consultation with me, select one of
the women who was accused of witchcraft in the American colonies and put
together a dramatic trial. This may be a one-three person performance. You
must include a narrative/script complete with footnotes/endnotes and a
bibliography.
D.
Original painting/sculpture/drawing/animation (by you) with narrative
which describes the intent of your artwork.
E.
Research Paper. 12-15 typed pages on a selected topic, complete with full
bibliography and footnotes. Due November 29, 2010. You may not write on the
Salem witch trials but may write about one of the individuals in the trials OR on
some aspect of the European witchcraze.
F.
Museum Exhibit. For those who select this option no more than two people
may serve on a team. You will be assigned an exhibit topic and prepare an
exhibit for display in the university library or the display cases in Wiley
Arts/Sciences building. Displays must be put up in final form by October 1,
2010. This must include narrative and bibliography; both the narrative and
bibliography must be included in the display.
Topics:
G.
6.










The History of Halloween
El Día de los Muertos (Mexico)
Witchcraft in Scotland
Specific Individuals in the Salem Witch trials
Witchcraft outside Europe/US
The Church and Witchcraft
Witchcraft in Europe, Latin America, Africa
Witchcraft in American popular culture
Witchcraft and Science in Europe
The Mathematics of Witchcraft
Other. You may submit proposals to me and I will determine if your proposal
can serve as the research project in lieu of A-F.
Quizzes. Periodic quizzes MAY be given on reading and lecture material. Quizzes
cannot, under any circumstance, be made up. Quizzes on Kent and Anneke will be
included in this portion of your course grade. Quizzes may also include several writing
assignments such as a Cultural Analysis of the “witch” in society. Students going on
the Salem trip will be expected to write a short paper which will count as a quiz
grade. Students who do not go on the trip will have a quiz on a different
assignment.
7.
Class Discussion. Every student is expected to participate in class discussions each
week. You must be present to participate; therefore, attendance will also be considered in
your course grade. I will not tolerate unexcused absences. If you can’t make it to class
ON TIME, DROP THIS COURSE.
8.
Failure to complete all course assignments will result in an F for the entire semester.
Grading Percentages:
Grading Scale:
mid-term
Res. Proj
quizzes
Att/part
Final exam
0-59 =F
60-67 =D
70-77 =C
80-87 =B
90-100=A
=25%
=25%
=10%
=10%
=30%
100%
Course Outline:
68-69=D+
78-79=C+
88-89=B+
Date
Topic
Reading Assignment
8/30/10
Introduction
Definitions, images, myths, realities
Conceptions and Misconceptions
Begin Morton
9/13/10
Intellectual and Legal Foundations
Barstow, prologue
Barstow, intro, ch. 2
Morton
9/20/10
The Social Context of Witchcraft
Barstow, chs. 1, 5, 6
Morton
9/27/10
Geography of Witchcraft
Barstow, chs. 3, 4
Morton
MUSEUM EXHIBITS DUE—SET UP DISPLAYS IN
LIBRARY AND WILEY BY OCTOBER 1
10/4/10
Witchcraft in Medieval Europe
dynamics of witchhunting
Barstow, ch. 3
Hill, ch. 4
Discussion of Morton’s Tempel Anneke
Quiz MAY be given on Anneke in class
10/11/10
The Church: Reformation and
Counter-Reformation
Women, the Church and Witchcraft
Barstow, chs. 6, 7, 8
10/7/10-10/10/10 Trip to Salem, Massachusetts
departing approximately 12:15 am on Thursday morning October 7
10/18/10
MID-TERM EXAM (tentative)
10/25/10
Calvinism in Europe
England and Puritans
Hill, intro
Puritan New England
Establishing a New Covenant
Protestant Work Ethic
11/1/10
Salem, Massachusetts
Town vs. Village
A Satellite Community
Choosing a Minister
Hill, chs. 1-6
11/8/10
Child’s Play or The Devil’s Playground?
Hill, ch. 3, 9, 10, 13, 14
BOARD/COMPUTER GAMES DUE
11/15/10
Dynamics of Factional Conflict
Putnam vs. Porter
Putnam vs. Putnam
Hills, chs. 7, 8, 12, 15
DOCUMENTARIES DUE
11/22/20
The Devil in the Shape of A Woman
Hill, ch. 11
Discussion of The Heretic’s Daughter
Quiz MAY be given on Kent in class
11/29/10
Economic Basis of New England Witchcraft
Hill, chs. 16-23
ALL OTHER RESEARCH PROJECTS DUE
12/6/10
The Real Devils in Massachusetts
12/13/10
Final Exam
Hill, chs. 24-25
I reserve the right to make any changes I deem necessary.
YOU, AND ONLY YOU, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY WORK COVERED ON DAYS THAT
YOU CHOOSE TO MISS CLASS. I WILL NOT GO OVER MATERIAL A SECOND TIME.