In the seminar, the multidisciplinary approach is created not only by single papers that examine the subject from a cross-disciplinary perspective but also by papers representing different fields that can be useful to each other and bring new light on themes of popular religion, witchcraft and magic. For example, the theories and concepts of anthropology have been successfully utilized in the historical study of the early modern era.

The papers may deal with the themes of the seminar in the context of different time periods, from ancient times to the present. All proposals on the themes of the seminar are welcome. Papers may focus on, for example, the following themes:

- Methodological questions in multidisciplinary approaches, for example:
• How to utilize modern folklore material and results of folkloristic research in the study of earlier conceptions on the supernatural?
• How to utilize theories and concepts of different disciplines in the study of popular religion, witchcraft and magic?
- Rituals; Sacred times and places
- The role of gender in the study of popular religion, witchcraft and magic
- The relationship and conflicts between popular and “official” religion
- Experience and emotions related to popular religion, witchcraft and magic

Intending participants should register for the seminar by 31/1/2013 by sending a one-page (max.) abstract of their proposed presentation to hela-harjoittelija@campus.jyu.fi. Applicants will be informed about acceptance of their submitted topic and the programme of the seminar by the end of February. The maximum permitted duration of presentations is 20 minutes, but participants may if they wish also submit longer texts. The working language of the seminar is English.

The Gustav Vasa Seminar is an annual event organized by the Department of History and Ethnology of the University of Jyväskylä and the Early Modern Morals research group, which functions under its auspices.