Russian Folklore Expedition Total Immersion in the "Real Russia"
Russian Folklore Expedition is a total immersion experience which gets you out of the city and into a Russian village. Here you will work alongside Russian folklorists to document the ancient songs, stories, handicrafts, beliefs, and rituals which are still a vital part of village culture.
These expeditions are a natural fit for future folklorists, ethnomusicologists, and anthropologists. You might record old dance tunes, or accompany a widow to the cemetery as she honors the dead with laments and a ritual meal. You might interview villagers about witches, or photograph hand-made costumes. You'll make real, personal connections with your informants, and informal lectures will deepen your understanding of Russia's traditional roots stretching back to pagan times.
But this all comes mixed in with more recent events, as locals share their memories of the collective farms and opinions of capitalism and petty corruption. Ten days of Russian village life will give anyone a new view on Russian history, economics, literature and art, a view which you will not find in any classroom or city. No Russian education is complete without it.
Village life brings its own rewards and nearly any student with a sense of adventure and a love of "roughing it" will enjoy these expeditions. Expect chickens in the yard and cows in the street. Learn what really fresh milk and vegetables taste like. Discover a hedgehog in the woodpile. Carry water from the well to the banya, and then enjoy a good, hot steam bath – but don't forget to tidy up afterwards, or the bannik (steam-bath spirit) may tip over a bucket!
