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    Overview

    An examination of heretical movements and their persecution as well as witch-hunt in medieval and early modern Europe (1100-1700) in the religious, social, political and intellectual contexts.

    This paper examines the rise and development of persecution in European society from the 12th century to the 17th century. While this paper surveys various types of heretical movements and their suppression in the Middle Ages and the witch-hunt in the early modern period, it also explores the legal and theological contexts that shaped the idea of heresy and inquisition and the intellectual contexts of witch-hunts, such as the conceptions of magic and demonology.

    The aim of the paper is, thus, to understand how and why a social, legal and religious system of persecution emerged and expanded in late medieval and early modern Europe.

    About this paper

    Paper title Heretics, Witches, and Inquisitors
    Subject History
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,040.70
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    One 100-level HIST paper or 54 points
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music
    Contact

    Professor Takashi Shogimen - takashi.shogimen@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Co-ordinator and Lecturer: Professor Takashi Shogimen

    Textbooks

    Recommended:
    Malcolm Lambert, Medieval Heresy, third ed. (Oxford, 2002).
    Brian P. Levack, The Witch-Hunt in Early Modern Europe, fourth ed. (Routledge, 2015).

    In addition, course materials will be made available electronically.

    Course outline

    Available via Blackboard.

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete this paper will:

    • Gain an historical understanding of how and why a social, legal and religious system of persecution emerged and expanded in late medieval and early modern Europe
    • Learn how to engage critically with secondary literature and assess diverse historical interpretations from interdisciplinary perspectives

    Timetable

    Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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