Course Catalogue

Humanities and Social Science

1.Examine various supernatural/paranormal phenomena and place them in historical context. 2. Encourage students to examine academic interpretations of the supernatural/paranormal. 3. Foster an appreciation of the way in which the supernatural/paranormal reveal different world views.

Outline Syllabus:Introduction: Thinking about the strange Witches Demons Unusual aerial lights and objects Ghosts Fairies Strange beasts Urban oddities: Sping-heeled Jack Rural strangeness: Devil's hoofmarks Weird World War I Conclusions

Module Overview:
Within this module, you will examine various supernatural/paranormal phenomena and place them in context. You will be able to develop an understanding of the meanings and interpretation of supernatural/paranormal phenomena to foster an appreciation of the way in which the supernatural/paranormal have been represented in texts and images.

Additional Information:History contains as much fancy as fact. Imagination, beliefs, thoughts, and interpretations all played a part in the lives of our ancestors. Supernatural Britain consider the place of the uncanny, weird and paranormal in British history. As well as considering specific case studies, the module will introduce students to the clashes between those who believe in the supernatural and others who provide rational explanations. The ways in which unusual events and creatures have been valorised by people who seek to maintain traditions will also be examined. With its focus on the acquisition, validity and interpretation of evidence, this module compels students to think in general about the importance and flexibility of historical evidence.