In this course we will explore traditional Russian and Ukrainian folk beliefs about spirits, saints, and supernatural beings, as well as traditional daily life, food, and calendary rituals such as Christmas and Easter. We will also look at attempts to transform calendary ritual in the Soviet era, the resurgence of ritual in the post-Soviet era, and how traditional beliefs and daily life affect living patterns and attitudes today.

No knowledge of Russian required.

Satisfies the Non-Western Perspectives requirement.

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