Description: Seminar, one hour. Exploration of figure known as witch. Who she is, where she came from, and what she represents. Starting with early mentions in Ancient Near Eastern sources, examination of developments of characterization through ancient Greek, medieval, early modern, and 19th- and 20th-century fantasy golden age depictions. Application of this analysis to modern representations and reimaginings. Includes discussion of themes such as spirituality and sexuality; sisterhood and spinsterhood; healing and hexes; and examination of these dualities. Discussion of which aspects of archetype are emphasized depending on identity of writer and time period of creation. Exploration of what these traits reveal about societal values and aim of work. P/NP grading. Facilitated by Minh-Thu Nguyen, with Gina Konstantopoulos as faculty mentor.

Units: 0.0