HIST 4225 The Witch, the Church, and the Law
During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries a convergence of political, social, and religious movements produced thousands of trials for crimes of witchcraft, sorcery, and superstition throughout Europe and in North America. This course explores these trials, particularly emphasizing their legal and ecclesiastical aspects. Related issues of popular belief in sorcery, magic, and diabolical activity will also be considered. Attention will be devoted to the question of why women were so frequently among the accused.
Course overview
- Department
- History
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically in the Spring
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- History Core, Parts I and II; Not Open to Graduate Students
Requirements fulfilled
- History: Free history electives (two courses at the 2000 or 4000 level) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- History: LAMA electives in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, or Africa (two courses at the 2000 or 4000 level) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- History: U.S. History elective (one course at the 2000 or 4000 level) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- History: Upper-division history electives (three courses at the 4000 level) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.78 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.77 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 3
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | Virginia Reinburg | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 1–3 hrs/week | 15 of 24 |
| Spring 2023 | Virginia Reinburg | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 20 of 25 |
| Fall 2021 | Virginia Reinburg | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 15 of 18 |