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Warwick Institute of Engagement

The Supernatural in Early Modern Britain

Module Summary

This module will focus on British conceptions of the supernatural from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries. Topics will include miracles, witchcraft, possession, astrology, angels, ghosts, fairies and the impact of the Reformation, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment. The module will give due consideration to differences between England, Wales and Scotland, and students will be encouraged also to reflect on the broader global framework. We will draw on a wide range of source materials, including church and court records, pamphlets, religious or philosophical treatises, material objects, artwork, literary sources, parliamentary acts, manuscript letters and antiquarians’ accounts.

View in the Warwick Course Catalogue

How does public engagement fit in?

Students have the option to take part in a public engagement event, organised by the module tutor. This opportunity isn't for credit, but still provides the students with valuable skills.

Key Information

Module Lead

Martha McGill

 Credits T15 CATS
Host Dept History Level UG level 2
Module duration 10 Weeks Teaching 9 x seminars, 1 x practical class
Year of launch 20/21 Assessment 100% Coursework

Teaching Structure/ Pedagogical approach

Indicative topics covered:

  • Week 1: Miracles and providences
  • Week 2: Angels
  • Week 3: Witchcraft
  • Week 4: Possession
  • Week 5: Popular magic
  • Week 6: Reading week
  • Week 7: Ghosts
  • Week 8: Fairies and second sight
  • Week 9: Disenchantment
  • Week 10: Broader contexts

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the nature and range of early modern British supernatural beliefs, and to show some awareness of the wider global framework.
  • Communicate ideas and findings, adapting to a range of situations, audiences and degrees of complexity.
  • Generate ideas through the analysis of a broad range of primary source material.
  • Analyse and evaluate the contributions made by existing scholarship.
  • Act with limited supervision and direction within defined guidelines, accepting responsibility for achieving deadlines.

Assessment Structure

Seminar Contribution (10%)

Group Project (40%) (This could be a public facing output)

3000 word essay (50%)

Further Links