Witches: Myth and Reality (CENS 307 101)

Winter 2023/24 Term 1

Tentative Course Outline

Lecture: Tuesdays/Thursdays, 11-12:30
Discussion Sections: Thursday, 11-12:30
Students must sign up for both the lecture and a discussion section.

Instructor: Dr. Kyle Frackman (kyle.frackman@ubc.ca), Department of Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies (CENES)

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Course Description

CENS 307 examines ideas of the witch, witchcraft, and magic from their early historical constructions to recent cultural adaptations. Following these ideas and their relationship to the creation of outsiders, our main topics will be early pagan and Christian religious beliefs; the conflict and overlap of these beliefs in the medieval and early modern periods, including the height of the witch hunts; images of witches in folklore and fairy tales; recent representations of witchcraft in literature, film, and other media; and contemporary witchcraft. The reading and viewing assignments consist of witch-related materials, including historical records; literary, film, and other media representations; scholarly analyses; and other work examining witches, witchcraft, and magic from numerous perspectives.

What will you learn?

• to describe the origins of Western ideas of witchcraft and magic
• to describe characteristics, causes, and effects of witch persecutions in the medieval and early modern periods
• to compare witches and magical figures in various cultural and historical contexts and time periods
• to relate identity categories like gender, race, religion, class, etc. to the creation of outsider figures

What will you need?

Readings and other materials will be available via Canvas and UBC Library.

What can you do with this course?

In addition to learning about witches and magic, you will be able to use this course to satisfy the Arts Literature requirement. The course counts toward a Minor in Nordic Studies or a Minor in German Studies. If you have questions about these opportunities, speak with Dr. Frackman.

What about grading?

The course grade in CENS 307 has three main components: (1) attendance, participation, and preparation; (2) unit tests; and (3) the final assignment.

• Attendance, participation, and preparation (25%): This grade component comprises daily attendance in the class sessions (both the lectures and the meetings of discussion sections), demonstrated participation, and how well you show your active engagement with the course material. Beyond regular attendance, this component includes group and individual work in discussions and small homework assignments.
• Unit tests (50%): There are four planned short unit tests that will check your learning at several points in the term. These tests are intended to make sure you are keeping up with reading and other assignments. Your grade will be based on how well you have understood and are able to respond to themes and concepts encountered in the course as well as your ability to demonstrate that you have completed required assignments (e.g., reading). The assessment formats may include, for example, multiple choice, short answer, and essay.
• Final assignment (25%): You will complete a short paper or a creative project as the course’s final assignment. The final assignment will allow you to showcase your thinking on critical matters pertaining to the ideas we address in the course.

Is it all just traditional assignments?

No! In fact, the Final Assignment has a special option for anyone who wants to express what they have learned creatively. In the past, students have created paintings, screenplays, sculptures, and more.

In all your assignments, I encourage you to draw connections between what we are learning in CENS 307 and your own home major/minor or personal interests.

What about bonus points?

I encourage you to look for and notice things in popular media, news, and current events related to our course. Our Canvas course will have a place for you to submit things you find (e.g., photos you take of weird witch- or magic-related things, news stories, video game announcements, etc., etc.). If I can use the material in class, I will give you some extra points toward your course grade.

What is the plan for the term?

CENS 307 is primarily divided into 6 sections.

1. Non-, Early, and Pre-Christian Magic and Witchcraft (including biblical, Norse/Viking, and Sámi practices)
2. Catholic Magic and Witchcraft (Satan, Trials and Torture, and Antisemitism)
3. Protestant Magic and Witchcraft (Martin Luther + Media Revolutions)
4. Magic and Witchcraft in Colonial North America (Puritans and the Salem Witch Trials + Indigenous-Settler Relations)
5. Folk and Fairy Tale Magic and Witchcraft (Grimms’ tales, Nordic folklore)
6. Modern Witches (Film, television, and other media + Modern witchcraft and Neopaganism)