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Witch Studies, an emerging transdisciplinary field that explores intersections of knowledge, belief, healing, politics and culture, is the topic of this one-day symposium for students, faculty, staff and community members. 

The program features research presentations by VCU undergraduate and graduate researchers, a faculty roundtable on pedagogy, and a keynote lecture by Nathan Snaza, Ph.D., (University of Richmond), "Beyond Reclaimings: Summoning Witch Studies," with topics ranging from health care and new religious movements to myth and folklore and the supernatural. 

See the schedule below. Attendees are welcome to come for part or all of the event. 

Schedule

🕒 10-10:15 a.m.

Welcome remarks: Dr. Mimi Winick

🕒 10:15-10:50 a.m.

Undergrad Student Research Panel 

• Emily Tyler (Anthropology), "Tea & Tarot: Spiritual and Religious Solidarity in Northern Idaho"
• Katie Rasmussen (English), “"Pagans, Pelagius, and Postcolonialism: The Changing Landscape of Irish Belief and Practice"

🕒 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Faculty roundtable on pedagogy 

• Carolyn Eastman, Ph.D. (VCU History)
• Tesora Garcia, MFA (VCUarts Photography & Film)
• Becca Klaver, Ph.D. (James Madison University, English)
• Brooke Newman, Ph.D. (VCU History)
• Ryan Smith, Ph.D. (VCU History)

🕒 12-1 p.m.

Lunch

🕒 1:15-2:45 p.m.

Graduate Student Research Panel (3 papers)

• Andre Medina (MA Art History), “On Vocation: Erotic Desire, Religious Calling, and Political Necessity in the Writings of Christopher Larkin and Geoff Mains”
• Maggie Bertsche (MATX), “Spells for What They Wouldn't Teach: Fantasy Witchcraft, Sex Education, and Public Memory in Grady Hendrix's Witchcraft for Wayward Girls”
• Logan Dandridge, MFA (MATX), “Calypso”

🕒 3-4:15 p.m.

Keynote: Dr. Nathan Snaza, “Beyond Reclaiming: Summoning Witch Studies”

🕒 4:15-6 p.m.

Reception with poetry reading