Spiritualism: A Journey Through History and Modern Meaning with Stacy Schuerman Shull

Location: Octagon

This course offers an illuminating exploration into the origins, development, and present-day significance of Spiritualism—a movement rooted in the belief that communication with spirits of the deceased is both possible and meaningful. From its 19th-century birth in upstate New York with the mysterious raps heard by the Fox sisters, to its flourishing in séance rooms, camp meetings, and churches across the U.S. and U.K., Spiritualism has served as both a religious practice and a philosophical worldview.

Students will examine the sociocultural backdrop that gave rise to Spiritualism, including how it intersected with women's suffrage, abolitionism, and scientific inquiry. We'll study key figures such as Emma Hardinge Britten, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Andrew Jackson Davis, while unpacking the controversies surrounding mediumship and psychic phenomena.

In the modern context, Spiritualism continues to evolve. Through interviews, contemporary writings, and digital platforms, students will analyze what it means to be a…