KULH1050 – Witchcraft and Magic
Course description
Course content
Lectures and seminars are given in English. All parts of the exam may be taken either in English or a Scandinavian language.
This course will look at aspects of the cultural history of magic with a focus on the period of the witch hunts in early modern Europe. It will explore how conceptions of magic, witchcraft and trolldom changed over time; how they were put to use in philosophical reflections, demonological manuals, legislative texts and oral traditions; and how these ideas became social realities.
From the 1500’s, combating witchcraft with legislation and judicial prosecution became an important concern for authorities all over Europe. Witchcraft trials consequently became a nexus between law, theology and the culture of the common people. In this course, the students will study the cultural and social basis of this development, and get to know a selection of Norwegian witchcraft trials. The students will also be introduced to the later redefinitions of magic expressed in modern occultism and neopaganism.
Learning outcome
Upon successful completion of the course, students are able to
- demonstrate an orientational knowledge in the history of magic and witchcraft in Europe, and are able to discuss historical implications of critical terms like magic, witchcraft, trolldom, esotericism, and occultism.
- identify different approaches to historiography and interpretation in the academic study of magic and witchcraft.
- perform a source critical contextualisation of a historical case example, by phrasing a precise question and employing an adequate historiographical approach.
- carry out team work and give oral presentations.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Recommended previous knowledge
Sufficient reading skills in English
Teaching
Lectures and seminars are given in English and supervision is offered in both English and Norwegian. The curriculum is in English with an optional choice of Norwegian source material that can be used in the exams.
The course is based on a combination of lectures and seminars. The teaching format has the goal of activating the students in the learning process, to give ongoing feedback on academic progress and understanding, as well as to make the individual student’s progression visible to him/her.
Obligatory coursework
Attendance at seminars (minimum 75% attendance) and the submitting of a qualifying exercise are obligatory and part of the assessment. The obligatory coursework is required in order to be admitted to the exam. In case of sickness, documentation is required from a doctor. The qualifying exercise is conducted in a group work and consists of a written and oral presentation. Deadlines and content will be provided at the start of the teaching term.
All obligatory coursework must be approved in order to qualify for the exam. It is the student’s responsibility to check whether or not the obligatory coursework have been approved. This is how you apply for valid absence from obligatory activities/obligatory attendance.
Access to teaching
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
The obligatory coursework has to be approved for admission to the examination.
The exam (portfolio) consists of 2 written assignments with a total of 10 pages (2300 characters / page).
The assessment is integrated in the teaching, therefore it is not possible to take the exam without admission to the teaching.
Previous exams and grading guidelines.
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit assignments in Inspera.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English. If you would prefer to have the exam text in English, you may apply to the course administrators.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
It is possible to take the exam up to 3 times. If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline or during the exam, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.