witches woodcut print

Classes That Cast a Spell

Between 1560 and 1660, about 60,000 people in Europe were executed for witchcraft. About 80% were women.

What caused the massive witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries? Why did most of the witch hunts take place in Germany and Switzerland? And why were women most often accused of witchcraft? Why did the witch hunts end?

Deborah Harkness, best selling author, historian, UC alum

Deborah Harkness

  • by Jeffrey A Day
Historian brings authenticity to bestsellers about witches and vampires.

Deborah Harkness is the author of the best-selling All Souls Trilogy, about scholar and reluctant witch Diana Bishop, whose discovery of an enchanted manuscript sets loose an underworld of witches, vampires, and daemons. Among them is the vampire and scientist Matthew Clairmont, who has long been searching for the same long-lost manuscript.

Illustration: The dollar bill's eye and pyramid and the words State of Conspiracy, a Crooked Mini

Historian's Podcasts Examine Conspiracy Theories

  • by Kathleen Holder
Delve into popular conspiracy theories this month with a new podcast from Kathryn Olmsted, professor of history in the UC Davis College of Letters and Science. Olmsted has launched a four-episode “State of Conspiracy” series on the site Crooked Media.
Afro Brazilian music image drummers

Faculty Fellowships Provide Freedom for Research

  • by Jeffrey A Day

From the history of black women chefs to a documentary film on dwarfism to African music in Brazil, the UC Davis Humanities Institute’s new faculty research fellows will pursue a wide range of topics this year. The fellowship promotes interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty, who will meet weekly to discuss their research and creative work.

Portrait of UC Davis history/political science student in front of the California state Capitol in Sacramento.

Top UC Davis Graduate Aims for State Legislature

Some of the citizens that Julianne Cravotto has helped register to vote may just one day cast their ballots for her. The political science and history major, to be honored as the top graduating senior at UC Davis, is embarking on a career in public service and has ambitions of being a state legislator. And the award she has won attests that she is well on her way. The University Medal — to be presented at the College of Letters and Science commencement at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15 — recognizes excellence in undergraduate studies, outstanding community service, and the promise of future scholarship and contributions to society.
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