RUSS 100 - Once Upon a Fairytale:Introduction to Russian Culture

Institution:

University of Pennsylvania

Subject:

Description:

Verkholantsev. The course provides an introduction to Russian culture and society through the prism of fairy tale narratives. We will approach Russian culture by studying how classic tales have been retold in a variety of contexts: folklore, literature, art, music, opera, ballet, film, political propaganda, etc. The appeal of fairy tales is universal. Do they seduce our imagination through magic and the pleasure of escapism, or do they fulfill some important social function, reflecting the national psyche and giving it shape Are they an escape from reality or a fundamental part of it The course also provides a general introduction to the study of folklore, fairy tales and mythology from a variety of theoretical and comparative perspectives. We will begin with the study of the classic Russian fairy tales and the examination of the religious background of Russian culture. We will then study how the Russian classic authors in the nineteenth century incorporated and enriched these tales and legends. Finally, we will learn how the genre of fairy tale was used in the twentieth century, both by the Soviet authorities in their efforts to educate the masses, and by critical and dissident voices who turned these "innocent" stories into tools for disguised criticism and satire. Like Russians, we will "read between the lines" of a thought-provoking history of fairy tales, fantastic stories, legends and myths as we will learn about cultural and social values of the society that created them.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.upenn.edu

Phone Number:

(215) 898-5000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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