RUSS 179 - Incantations, Spells, Charms

1 unit(s)

This course surveys the rich world of Slavic folklore with an emphasis on mythological and anthropological patterns whose influence persists in the mentality of Russians and other Slavic peoples. We begin with traditional oral genres and their role in peoples’ lives, and trace their development up to the contemporary city folklore, touching upon folklore motives in literature and film. In our discussion of Slavic demonology, we also compare the mythical creatures of Slavic folklore with their West European counterparts.

Open to all classes.

All lectures and readings in English.

Not offered in 2014/15.