LIT/WGS 317: “The Witch in Literature”
1 Unit (4 Credits)
Summer 2012 Maymester ( May 7 – 24, 2012)
Trip to Salem: May 13 – 16
The witch has been a
figure in literary history since the beginning of time. Who is she, and what does she embody? Who creates her, and to what end?
This course will explore the socio-historical constructions of this figure and trace her through a wide spectrum of literary texts, including legal and historical treatises, fairy tales, short stories, drama, film, children’s literature, poetry and even cartoons. In addition to the Maymester course, students will have the enhanced learning opportunity of traveling to Salem, Massachusetts for 4 days, where they will conduct archival research of the 1692 witch hunt at the Peabody Essex Museum (in addition to visiting many museums and living history programs). Through in-depth and on-site study of witch hunts and literary recreations of this figure, students will analyze the cultures which have persisted in creating, recreating and reviving this timeless, powerful and equally feared character throughout the ages.
This course is worth 1 Unit (4 credits) and will fulfill the following requirements:
- Liberal Learning (Gender)
- Religious Studies Minor Elective
- Women’s and Gender Studies Elective
- English Elective
The cost of the trip portion of the course is $320* and is paid in two installments:
$160 (application fee) – due April 11
$160 – due April 18
This payment is due to The Office of Summer School and Summer Programs (Green Hall 203) by check or cash. The cost of the trip portion of the course will include the following:
- daily visits to the Phillips Library of the Peabody Essex Museum (where students will conduct archival research of the 1692 manuscripts)
- tours of the Witch House, the Witch Dungeon and the Witch Museum
- private trolley ride to the Rebecca Nurse Homestead and Parris parsonage in Danvers
- walk with a private guide on an evening “ghost tour” of the Witch City
- lodging in the elegant Hawthorne Hotel, situated in the town center
- limited meals while on the trip
*transportation to/from Salem is NOT included in this cost. Students must pay for their own transportation to/from Salem independently.
Additionally, please note that this number reflects the 2012 prices.
APPLICATION:
Students who have registered for the Summer 2012 LIT/WGS 317: “The Witch in Literature” course should complete the following by April 11, 2012:
1) Submit the application fee of $160 - can be paid by cash or check and made out to “The College of New Jersey”
2) Complete the Salem Faculty Led Application
*The trip portion is mandatory and students MUST ATTEND in order to complete the course*
Photos by Courtney Polidori, Summer in Salem 2010