SLFK 2140

Don't let the cool-sounding name fool you. We discussed demons for maybe a week, tops. The rest of the semester focused on much more boring things like incantations. Basically, this is an anthropology class. And it isn't an easy A either, so I wouldn't recommend taking it unless you have some profound interest in East Slavic calendary ritual

I really enjoyed parts of this class. However, the grading was impossible. As you can tell from the grade distribution above, it's really difficult to get an "A". I did all the readings, actually studied for tests, and still just got a B+. I don't know how to do well in this class, really. Professor Ingram was wonderful, though. Very enthusiastic and understanding/helpful if you need her. The TA, however, was not helpful. She graded papers, would give a random grade, and then couldn't defend why she'd given you the grade. I'm definitely done with SLFK classes. A real disappointment!

I really like this class. It's a great way to get your Non-Western Perspectives class out of the way!

Professor Ingram is great and leads a lively discussion every class. She is a tough grader, however, and it is extremely difficult to get an A even if you do the readings, participate in class, and write good essays. Make sure to give lots of examples!! Even though the grading is harsh, this class is interesting and fun.

Ingram is great, she really tries to get to know everyone by name and face and does her best to keep everyone involved. The class is 20% participation, and the only essays you have to write are 2 pagers. Topics are interesting (Russian demons and folklore!), and we even got to watch a Nightmare before Christmas.

I took this class after someone recommending it, and at first I really liked it- the material was interesting and the professor was very enthusiastic about the subject. However, soon I learned that Professor Ingram is a tough grader, and most grades in the class (homework, exams) are essay assignments. I got a B in the class, not horrible, but not the easiest A out there.

I actually got an A in this class pretty easily. What it comes down to is taking effective notes (for us the midterm AND final were open note) and writing coherent essays. Actually your essays dont have to be that good but she wants them to be full of examples and evidence. Overall, pretty interesting material, and the professor herself is as approachable as they get. Take this class!

First part of the class was fun, and I knew what was going on. Assignments were clear and graded fairly. Then we got to weird calendar stuff and the class became much less interesting and the assignments made little sense. It isn't a terrible class but I wish assignments were easier to understand and aligned more closely with what we had been doing in class.

I agree with the review below me. The first half of the semester was great; however, once the calendar rituals took over in the course, it was boring. The class is not hard, but the grading is. I did all the readings, participated in class, and did okay on the exams (essays), but for some reason, I did not do well on the take home essays. I left the class with a B+.