- The Gypsy Road: A Study of the Roma

Institution:

The Evergreen State College

Subject:

Description:

Faculty: Patricia A. Krafcik (Russian, Slavic studies), doranne crable (performance art, 19th-century literature and history, comparative literature) Class Standing: Juniors or seniors; transfer students with junior or senior standing welcome. Who are the Gypsies-more accurately known as the Roma What are their origins What are the many myths that surround them What is the genuine history of this people What are the elements and the nature of Romani culture, and why is this culture so incredibly powerful Join us in our journey as we move beyond the myths to explore the dynamic history and rich culture of the Roma. We will examine the history of Roma migration out of India into East Central Europe (Bulgaria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania), Russia, Western Europe (Spain, Portugal, and Southern France), the Middle East, and to the United States-and experience the variants of Romani culture in these places. With the emergence of their music and dance forms over the centuries, the Roma have possessed an extraordinary presence in Western culture that has impacted literature, music, dance, cinema and the theater. Only recently, though, have scholars taken a fresh and hard look at the centuries-old oppression of the Roma by particular cultural and political movements and because of racism and ethnic and religious prejudice. Within Romani history, we will devote special attention to their tragic fate as victims of Nazi genocide in World War II and their present struggle to survive as a people in our highly industrialized and technological world. Among our many readings will be We Are the Romani People, Hancock; Bury Me Standing: The Gypsies and Their Journey, Fonseca; A History of the Gypsies of Eastern Europe and Russia, Crowe; The Time of the Gypsies, Stewart; Gypsies, Yoor; The Art of Flamenco, Pohren; the poetry and drama of Garcia Lorca and the works of Carlos Suarez, as well as other books and selected articles. We will view documentaries and films dealing with or portraying Romani history, culture and society, including A Time of the Gypsies and Latcho Drom, and will explore the influence of Romani music in the works of Manuel De Falla and Bizet, among others. Fall quarter will be devoted to intensive reading and study of the history, culture, and rich performance experience of the Roma in order to prepare a foundation for hands-on work during winter quarter. In winter quarter, according to their interests and skills, students will select and participate in workshops in technical theater, dramaturgy, art, music, narrative, and dance. Along with faculty, technical staff advisors, and guest artists, students will work collaboratively to create and produce a performance in the Experimental Theater by the end of the quarter. Total: 16 credits each quarter. Enrollment: 44 Special Expenses: Approximately $80 for art supplies and CDs. Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in European, East European and Russian history, cultural studies and movement studies. This program is also listed under Culture, Text and Language.

Credits:

16.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.evergreen.edu

Phone Number:

(360) 867-6170

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Quarter

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