This course will explore the phenomenon of the 'witch-hunts' in early modern Europe through a focus on Scotland in the period 1560-1700. In addition to placing the witch-hunts in their historical context by providing students with the background to Scotland’s political, religious, and social history in the early modern period, the course will introduce students to the considerable body of historical writing on the subject of the witch-hunts and give them hands on experience with primary source documents in order to discuss specific witch trials themselves. Popular and elite conceptions of witchcraft will be explored, as well as gender history.