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Overview
This course introduces students to a multi-layered tradition of Ukrainian folklore, its peculiarities of meaning-making of the uncanny experiences, supernatural encounters and creatures. Through the study of narratives and their reimagining in contemporary media, the course examines how this tradition, backed by vernacular Christianity, have shaped cultural meanings and social values throughout history into nowadays.
The course situates Ukrainian folkloric creatures and beliefs within broader cultural studies framework, focusing on folklore as a dynamic system and essential tool for meaning-making, inherent to every tradition. Particular attention is paid to how supernatural beliefs are experienced and reinvented in nowadays as narrative response to social changes, crisis, and cultural continuity, and how they are reactualised in contemporary culture and social media.
The course combines close reading of folkloric texts, perception of pop art and contemporary events, development of the analytical tools for critical analysis, and guided discussions. The final aim of the course is to foster methodological awareness in understanding of the ongoing relevance of folklore in modern cultural contexts
Programme Structure
NB! This is a preliminary programme. The final schedule will be sent to the participants two weeks before the course starts.
8 Lectures, 2 Seminar (including final presentation)
Learning outcomes:
- To equip students with knowledge of Ukrainian supernatural folklore and its existence in nowadays.
To cultivate interpretative strategies for meaning-making of folkloric and everyday supernatural.
To develop conceptual vocabulary for meaning-making and writing in Cultural Studies.
Audience
bachelor´s, master's and PhD students, life-long learners
Lecturers
Lecturer and course leader
Alina Oprelianska
Junior Research Fellow and a PhD student at the Department of Estonian and Comparative Folklore at the University of Tartu, Estonia
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 10 days
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
English
Credits
3 ECTS
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
- Tartu, Estonia
Disciplines
Area & Cultural Studies History View 6 other Short Courses in Area & Cultural Studies in EstoniaWhat students do after studying
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Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.
Other requirements
General requirements
Only fully completed applications, including all required annexes, received by the deadline (20 April) will be considered for selection. Applicants must submit the following:
- Online application form(application period: 20 March–20 April 2026)
- Motivation letter (maximum 1 page), explaining:
- your motivation to participate;
- your expectations for the programme;
- how the summer course relates to your studies and interests;
- how you plan to use the knowledge and experience gained in the future.
- Transcript of academic records
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of payment of the application fee (25 EUR)
Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner
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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Tartu and/or in Estonia, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
-
International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents450 EUR / year≈ 450 EUR / year -
Domestic Applies to you
Applies to youCitizens or residents450 EUR / year≈ 450 EUR / year
Living costs
Tartu
Estonia
300 - 600 EUR / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
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