For the Fall 2021 term, we're offering a mix of virtual and in-person classes. Although we are still primarily virtual, you will find a smaller selection of in-person seminars in the schedule. For more information about the Newberry’s virtual seminars, including a Zoom tutorial, please see our Virtual Seminars FAQ page. Registration opens on September 1st at 9am (Central time). Registration will take place through our online platform, Learning Stream.

Seminar Description

“Witch-hunt!” Hardly a day goes by without someone using those words to explain one or more current events. Indeed, as of late, few words have been more commonly used, abused, or at least misunderstood. In this course, we will explore the history of witch-hunts. Because they left an indelible mark on our history, the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 will serve as a focus of this course. But the Salem trials were only one in more than two centuries of witch-hunts in Western Europe and America. We will investigate this extensive history, as well as the impact of 1692 and why “witch-hunts” continue long after we stopped believing in witches.

Four sessions. Registration – $195

Bryan Le Beau recently retired as Provost, Vice President, and Professor of History at the University of Saint Mary. Currently, he is an Adjunct and Reading Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Georgetown University

Materials List

Recommended:

• Brian Levack –The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe, Fourth Edition – Paperback (Routledge, 2016).

• Bryan Le Beau –The Story of the Salem Witch Trials Second Edition – Paperback (Routledge,2010).

• Arthur Miller –The Crucible– Paperback (Penguin, 2003, reprint of 1952 edition).