Slavic Legends and Tales
Russian 110
SH-320
Fall 2015
T Th 2:00-3:15
Department of European Studies SDSU
Professor Veronica Shapovalov
Office hours T 3:30- 4:30; Th 6:40-7:30 or by appointment
My office is in SH-228C
Phone 619-594-7147/619-594-5111
e-mail : veronica.shapovalov@sdsu.edu
Syllabus
Course description This course introduces you to major forms of Slavic folklore (e.g.,
myths, legends, and fairy tales) and the theoretical approaches used in their study. We
shall learn how stories, songs, beliefs, customs, folk craft, and folk art have been sustained
through the centuries and adapted to other more contemporary genres like opera and film.
We shall learn how folklore shapes national, regional, and ethnic identities, as well as daily
life and the identities of sub-groups e.g., sports teams, workers, members of a religion We
shall learn how folkloric figures emerge in mass culture. In this course we shall screen films
based on fairytales and legends. In addition, we shall see several film clips on Slavic
cultures. You will have the opportunity to discuss and write about tales and legends in a
historic and multicultural framework.
Course objectives
 learning about Slavic cultures
 learning about different approaches the study of folklore
 developing understanding of the continuing cultural influence of fairy tales and folk
beliefs in arts, politics, and society
 comparing and analyzing differences and similarities between the home culture and
Slavic cultures making connection between your academic studies and the world in
which you live
This course is one of nine courses that you will take in General Education Foundations.
Foundations courses cultivate skills in reading, writing, research, communication, computation,
information literacy, and use of technology. They furthermore introduce you to basic concepts,
theories, and approaches in a variety of disciplines in order to provide the intellectual breadth
necessary to help you integrate the more specialized knowledge gathered in your major area of
study into a broader world picture. This course is one of four Foundations courses that you
will take in the area of Humanities and Fine Arts. Upon completing of this area of Foundations,
you will be able to: 1) analyze written, visual, or performed texts in the humanities and fine arts
with sensitivity to their diverse cultural contexts and historical moments; 2) describe various
aesthetic and other value systems and the ways they are communicated across time and
cultures; 3) identify issues in the humanities that have personal and global relevance;
4) demonstrate the ability to approach complex problems and ask complex questions drawing
upon knowledge of the humanities.
Language: The course is conducted in English and assumes no previous knowledge of
Russian language, literature, or history.
Structure of the course and grading:
 At each class you will be responsible for that day’s reading, for asking good
questions, answering questions, and participating in the discussions. Reading
assignments should be completed for the day they are discussed in class. Bring the
assigned readings with you to class so you can refer to them during discussions.
Regular attendance is expected.
 You will have to write 2 short papers (1-2 pages) and complete 1 research project
based on your readings and class discussion.
 Examinations: There will be two in-class examinations: mid-term Tuesday,
October 20, and Final Tuesday, December 15, 13:00-15:00.
Course materials:
Linda Ivanits, Russian Folk Belief, M.E. Sharpe 1989 (available in Aztec Bookstore)
Aleksandr Afanas’ev, Russian Fairy Tales, Pantheon Books, 1973 (available in Aztec
Bookstore)
Texts posted on Blackboard course site
In addition, there will be a number of handouts distributed in class. Keep them to the end
of the semester.
Your final grade on the scale of 100 will be based on:
 Class participation and homework—20 % (includes: coming to class, having done
the assigned reading/answering the questions, taking part in class discussion,
participating in class group projects). More than two unexcused absences will
reduce this part of your grade. For each additional absence your participation grade
will be reduced by 1/3 (i.e. a B+ will become a B after 3 absences, a B- after 4
absences and so on).
 Papers/projects—25% (10%; 5%, and 10% respectively)
 Tests/quizzes/group projects—20%
 Midterm—15%
 Final Exam—20%
No make-up examinations or quizzes will be given unless documentation of a medical
emergency is provided the day the student returns to class. Unexcused absence on the day
when an examination or quiz is given results in no credit for that examination or quiz.
Grades are defined at SDSU as:
A: Outstanding achievement, available for the highest accomplishment.
B: Praiseworthy performance, definitely above average.
C: Average awarded for satisfactory performance; the most common undergraduate grade.
D: Minimally passing, less than typical undergraduate achievement
F: Failing
C/NC: Some students may, subject to their major requirement and the conditions set out in the
General Catalog, choose to take the course credit/no credit. Work equivalent to C or above will
result in a grade of Credit; work equivalent to C- or below will result in NO Credit.
WU: Indicates that an enrolled student did not withdraw from the course but did not fulfill the
course requirements. For purposes of grade point average computation, this grade is equivalent to
an F. Students who are failing when they stop attending class will receive an F, not a U.
Grade scale:
93-100 A
90-93 A- 87-89 B+
83-86 B
80-83 B77-79 C + 73-76 C 70-73 C67-69 D+ 63-66 D 60-63 D- 1-59 F
If you would like to know where you stand at any point in the semester, I am happy to
discuss your grade with you. Please just let me know, at least a couple of days in advance!
Policy on reading, homework, and late assignments.
All assigned readings should be done prior to the class. Late assignments (homework,
papers, and projects) will receive lower grades: one day late = one grade lower, two days
late = two grades lower, etc. Exception: pre-approved or approved late submission or
lateness in connection with an excused absence.
For both missing class and late submission of assignments: I strongly encourage you to
communicate with me about any problems you’re having. I usually work with my students
on helping them catch up and get on track again, if there are serious reasons beyond their
control for having missed class or assignments. Being overworked, forgetting, having too
little time, etc. are NOT reasons that would qualify.
Academic Integrity
College of Arts and Letters expects the highest standards of academic excellence and ethical
performance from students. It is particularly important that you are aware of and avoid
plagiarism, submitting a paper to more than one instructor, or submitting a paper authored
by anyone other than yourself. All incidents of cheating or plagiarism will be reported to
the Judicial Procedures Office as required by CSU Policy.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is using others’ ideas and words without clearly acknowledging
the source of that information. DO NOT DO IT. Please visit the link
http://infotutor.sdsu.edu/plagiarism/word.cfm?p=graphic Tutorial Services page on
plagiarism or Plagiarism page in Course documents if you have any questions.
Additional important information:
Classroom policy regarding the use of electronic devices
The use of ANY electronic devices during the classroom for note-taking or any other
purposes is not permitted. My policy is very simple: if your phone rings, you turn on your
computer, you use a palm pilot to take notes, email, surf the net, etc., I will ask you to leave
the room and you will have 1 unexcused absence for that day. No exceptions.
Class Etiquette: You are expected to maintain proper etiquette in class. This includes:
• not arriving late, or leaving in the midst of class (if you have to leave before the class
ends—please let me know in advance)
If you are late, please enter quietly and be seated as close to the door as possible. If you
have a reason to be late consistently, please discuss it with me and obtain approval.
• not talking, sleeping, reading newspapers in class
E-mail Etiquette Please observe basic rules of politeness and formality in email messages.
These rules include:
• any message must include an address line (e.g. “Dear Professor Shapovalov” or “Professor
Shapovalov”)
• use polite and appropriate language
• always sign your name
• allow some reasonable time for me to answer your emails.
Please note
- All students are welcome to discuss readings, course content, exams, and other academic
topics with the instructor.
If you are having trouble with an assignment or with a concept, please let me know, either
during class or office hours. Questions are always welcome.
-I shall return your written assignments graded and with comments, within a week. In
order for you to have the weekend to work on the written assignments they are generally
due on Tuesdays. As a result, I cannot have them read the same week, since I also need a
weekend to grade.
-I shall be at my office during my office hours. If I have to cancel office hours, I will email
changes and will offer alternate times to ensure that you have an opportunity to consult
with me.
-I shall make appointments with you if you cannot meet with me during office hours and
will always try to answer questions in class and outside of it.
All students are welcome to discuss readings, course content, examinations, and other
academic topics with the instructor.
Slavic Legends and Tales
Fall 2014
Course overview
Week 1
August 25-27
Introduction to the course. Who are the Slavs? What is
folklore?
Slavic gods and creation.
Week 2
September 1-3
Devils and spirits. Traditions. Holidays. Paganism and
Christianity. Spoiling and Healing.
Week 3
September 8-10
When the animals could talk: animal heroes
Week 4
September 15-17
Magical tales: trouble in the family. Wicked
stepmothers. Two siblings,
Bad mothers. Wise maidens. Close reading of Cinderella.
Week 5
September 22-24
Animal groom. Close reading of Beauty and the Beast.
Magical tales: flying carpets and other magic objects
Week 6
September 29
Magical tales: dragons, villains, helpers and heroes.
October 1
Film: The Scarlett Flower
Week 7
October 6-8
Week 8
October 13-15
October 20
Tales of everyday life: thieves, fools, and tricksters.
Review for the midterm exam
MIDTERM EXAM
Week 9
October 22
Film: Snow White: Tale of Terror.
Discussion of Snow White.
Week 10
October 27-29
Legends and legendary tales. Czech legends.
Week 11
November 3-5
Week 12
November 10-12
Week 13
November 17-19
The legends of Golem.
Legends of Dracula
(screening Dracula, 1992)
Russian epic: dragon slayers, mighty knights, and others.
Week 14
November 24
Serbian epic: a memorable battle.
November 27
Thanksgiving Day (no class)
Week 15
December 1-3
Folklore and politics
Week 16
December 8-10
Review
Important note:
Specific weekly assignments will be posted on Blackboard.
We will use Blackboard extensively. Make sure you check the site prior to the class.
I will post all the readings and assignments in advance and will always mark the date
when they are due.