|
Salem Witch Trials in History and
Literature |
|
Restricted to Majors in
Religious Studies, History, and English This seminar will explore the rich
range of historical scholarship, literary fiction, and primary source
materials relating to the witch trials of Salem Village in 1692. How and why
did the accusations begin? How and why did they stop? Serious theories and
wild speculations abound, both then and now. Who were the heroes and villains
of this tragic episode? Some of the most gripping personal stories may be
found in the primary sources and literary treatments. Explore the impact of
this small-scale, 300 year-old event on the American cultural heritage -- why
has "Salem witchcraft" become part of the American cultural
imagination? In addition to a few classic historical studies, Boyer &
Nissenbaum, SALEM POSSESSED, Carol Karleson, THE DEVIL IN THE SHAPE OF A
WOMAN , and Rosenthal, SALEM STORY, and literary works, Hawthorne, HOUSE OF
SEVEN GABLES, Longfellow, GILES CORY OF SALEM FARMS, Miller's THE CRUCIBLE,
the course will make extensive use of the Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive
which contains all the original court documents and contemporary accounts. |
|
· Course Description· Syllabus· Class Related Web Sites· Salem Web Site Reviews· Assignments· Student Projects· Course Reading |