Culture

The Legends and Reality of Samarskaya Luka

Samarskaya Luka is a unique place on the Earth, often called the pearl of Russian plain. This natural memorial has an absolutely unusual geology, which results in the only of its kind mountain relief, the various and relict flora and fauna. The Zhiguli mountains are the oldest mountains in Europe that keep the memory of the most important events in the history of the Earth. The special nature of the area gave rise to a very interesting mythology created by the local people. The course will introduce you to the legends and history of the region, it includes fieldtrips to the National Park "Samarskaya Luka", visits to unusual anomalous places, which cannot be accounted for by any scientific theories.

History of Civilization (Archaeological Excavations)

The course reviews the development of our civilization from antiquity to modern times. You will visit the excavations of ancient cities of stone, iron and bronze ages. You will be shown modern buildings unmatched in Europe.

Russian Painting

The course includes the study of ancient Russian icons, Russian Paintings of 19th-20th cent., paintings of N.Rerikh. The fieldtrips include Art Museum, Museum of Repin in the village Shiryaevo, exhibition center "Raduga". In the exhibitions halls of Samara you'll be able to get reproductions of outstanding Russian painters, and pictures by modern painters of the Volga Region.

Russian National Costume

The course reviews the history of Russian national costume. The students will see the collection of a famous Russian fashion historian Alexander Vasilyev, will visit the Samara Fashion Houses and Museum s to see the collections of ancient Russian folklore costumes. The course includes a fieldtrip to the studio of the Fashion House "Rafael", where the student will be able to try on the costumes.

Decorative and Applied Arts

The course is an introduction to traditional arts, like wood engraving, shuttle wicker-work, frivolite (tatting), silk painting, ceramics. It reviews the history of these arts. The students will visit the studios and workshops, to try their hand at these crafts.

Interior of Russian Nobility of 19-20th cent. Russian Manor

The course is dedicated to the history and traditions of decoration of Russian Houses and architecture of Russian Manor.

Russian Cuisine

The course is dedicated to Russian traditional Cooking and Meals. The students will visit the museum of Russian cuisine, try their hand at cooking Russian borshch and pancakes.

Capstone workshop in Russian culture (comparative aspect)

Students will earn 3 ECTS credits for a 15-day course.