Online Class: Salem Witch Trials

The trials, and the ultimate executions, of many so-called witches in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 is one of the most widely known events in American history.

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  • 10
    Lessons
  • 16
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,664
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 4
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.4
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

"Salem Unveiled: A Deep Dive into the Enigma of the Witch Trials"

The haunting echoes of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 reverberate through the annals of American history with a chilling resonance. A quaint town, marred by a frenzy of paranoia, saw the persecution and execution of many in the name of witchcraft. This dark chapter, while not a pivotal turning point like the Revolutionary War, has nonetheless captured the collective imagination, inspiring countless debates, theories, and narratives over the centuries.

Why has the Salem Witch Trials maintained such a stronghold on our cultural psyche? "Salem Unveiled" seeks to unravel this very enigma.

Course Highlights:

  1. Setting the Stage: Traverse the cobbled streets of Colonial Salem. Delve deep into the socio-political and cultural backdrop that simmered with tensions, laying fertile ground for chaos.

  2. A Timeline of Terror: Chart the escalating events, from innocent murmurs of superstitions to the deafening cries for justice against supposed witches.

  3. Behind the Accusations: Journey into the minds of accusers. Unearth their motivations, fears, and ambitions that catalyzed the hysteria.

  4. Faces of the Accused: Bring to light the stories, hopes, and dreams of those thrust into the limelight under grim circumstances. Delve into their lives, seeking clues that led to their unfortunate fates.

  5. Inside the Courtroom: Examine the intricacies of the legal proceedings. Dissect how societal influencers, high-ranking officials, and religious leaders swayed the hand of justice, often with dire outcomes.

  6. Legacy and Lessons: As the dust settled on the trials, Salem was forever changed. Explore the aftermath and the indelible marks left on the fabric of American society.

  7. The Echoes of History: Discover how the trials influenced art, literature, and contemporary culture, immortalizing Salem's story in myriad forms.

"Salem Unveiled" is more than a historical course—it's a journey through the psyche of a society on the edge. With a blend of rigorous research, poignant narratives, and immersive storytelling, this course promises not just knowledge but profound insights.

Join us as we traverse time, delving into a world where reason battled superstition, where voices were suppressed, and where echoes of cries for justice still linger. Uncover the lessons, warnings, and stories buried in Salem's soil, ensuring they're neither forgotten nor repeated.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • Printable Lessons
  • Full HD Video  
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.71 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,426 votes)

Lesson 1. Salem in the 1600s. Part 1

10 Points
In this course, we will examine how historians have attempted to explain this mystery, and we will evaluate the facts that have been recorded. Additional lesson topics: Early Salem; Video on Salem
  • Lesson 1 Video A
  • Lesson 1 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Salem in the 1600s. Part 2

35 Points
Many historians observed that the fascination, or preoccupation, with witchcraft in villages like Salem offered a very convenient excuse for local governments to refrain from attempting to resolve the underlying problems of poverty and other social concer Additional lesson topics: Early Sam Parris
  • Lesson 2 Video A
  • Lesson 2 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Samuel Parris

10 Points
The villagers did not know it at the time, but Samuel Parris would prove to be one of the most prominent figures in the Salem Witch Trial history.
  • Lesson 3 Video A
  • Lesson 3 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. The Suspicion of Witchcraft

10 Points
A typical New England mother and father in the late 1600s could expect at least one of their children to die due to serious illness; it was not uncommon for children to be seriously ill. Additional lesson topics: What is Witchcraft
  • Lesson 4 Video A
  • Lesson 4 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. The Accusers

35 Points
If Betty Parris was the daughter of a poor farmer or from a peasant family, the entire episode of her illness might have gone completely unnoticed by the residents of Salem Village.
  • Lesson 5 Video A
  • Lesson 5 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. The Magistrates and the Suspects

9 Points
Parris did believe in the power of witches, but he knew that he was a relative newcomer to Salem. He wanted others to take up the charge of the witch hunt. Additional lesson topics: Salem Witch Trial Magistrates
  • Lesson 6 Video A
  • Lesson 6 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. Judges, Ministers, and the Law

35 Points
The new governor of Massachusetts, William Phips, created a special court to hear the cases of witchcraft. Additional lesson topics: Sir William Phips; Judges of the Salem Witch Trials
  • Lesson 7 Video A
  • Lesson 7 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Bridget Bishop

35 Points
Reputation was a very important quality in Salem in 1692. Bridget Bishop's reputation in Salem in 1692 could be described as infamous.
  • Lesson 8 Video A
  • Lesson 8 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Complete Assignment: Comment on Bridget Bishop
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. Rebecca Nurse

35 Points
Unlike Bridget Bishop, Rebecca Nurse could boast of all of these blessings, old age, health, a good life, piety, and respect. Additional lesson topics: Rebecca Nurse's Home
  • Lesson 9 Video A
  • Lesson 9 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. The Conclusion of the Trials

54 Points
People were suspecting that the wrong people were being punished for crimes they did not commit. Additional lesson topics: What can we learn from the Salem Witch Trials?
  • Lesson 10 Video A
  • Lesson 10 Video B : Lesson Discussion Video
  • Lesson discussions: What is your opinion of this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
268
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe Salem in the 1600s.
  • Identify Samuel Parris.
  • Summarize the suspicion of witchcraft during this period of time.
  • Identify the accusers and their arguments.
  • Summarize the magistrates and the suspects.
  • Describe the judges, ministers, and the law.
  • Identify Bridget Bishop and Rebecca Nurse and their roles in the Salem Witch Trials.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
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Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Salem Witch Trials
Course Number: 8900204
Lessons Rating: 4.71 / 5 Stars (1,426 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Last Updated: February 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.4 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Great job with this course. I learned far more than I anticipated, and I feel as though I am walking away from this with a deep appreciation and understanding of what happened during the Salem Witch Trials." -- Scott B.
  • "I really enjoyed the course! The additional articles and videos were informative and interesting. It piqued my interest so much that I undertook additional research on the subject. It is eye-opening when you realize that history is still repeating itself and how, through time, events with similarities are still happening. The content was engaging and arranged well. Thank you!" -- Mary G.
  • "I loved the course and the instructor presented the material and was able to grade and reply to assignments very quickly." -- Amy W.
  • "The course is great and a lot of great information and the instructor was a big help and helped me understand the class and gave a lot of encouragement." -- Michelle H.
  • "Great course! I learned so much that I had never known before!" -- Erin F.
  • "The Instructor is wonderful. Would like to take more courses of his!" -- Norma E.
  • "The instructor is a good communicator and always got back to me quickly after I submitted work." -- John M.
  • "I liked the feedback I received from the instructor - it made it feel more personal." -- Joanne M.
  • "Instructor was good on giving me feedback on what I could improve." -- Justine C.
  • "I found this course excellent and my tutor most helpful." -- Helen M.
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