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SLFK 215 - MAGIC PEOPLE MIDTERM REVIEW
DIRECTIONS: Please read the entire exam through before you start. This will allow you to best allocate your time. Suggested times are in parentheses after each question. All of the essay questions on this exam are broad and could be approached and answered in several ways. I do not want you to try and guess how we would answer because, for each question, we can think of several equally valid tactics. Thus, you may use any approach you wish. In fact, innovative approaches are often especially indicative of mastery of the material. What will affect your grade is not the approach, but the effectiveness of your argument. The best way to make an argument effective is to give examples from your readings, from lecture, from your audiovisuals. An unsubstantiated argument carries little weight, but a statement with proof is convincing. Please note that you are to answer all parts of the questions you select.
PART I - VIDEO (20 points, 10 minutes)
Compare the ideas about suffering expressed in the psalmy sung by Ukrainian minstrels to ideas about suffering expressed by the minister's wife in the snake handling video. What appeal might such ideas have for socially disenfranchised groups or individuals?
PART II - LONGER ESSAY (50 points, 30 minutes)
Select one of the topics below and write an essay. Remember to support your points with examples and to answer all parts of the question you chose.
1. Skoptsy thought that salvation would come from total avoidance of sexual relations. Rasputin preached that salvation would come through sexual relations. How could two such diametrically opposed views toward sex be part of the same culture? First describe the Skoptsy attitude toward sex and give examples of how it was realized. Then describe Rasputin's attitude toward sex and, again, give evidence of his attitude. Draw the two together to show how opposites can be manifestations of the same belief system.
2. The Skoptsy did a great deal to conceal their identity. At the same time, they self-documented through photographs and histories. Why would the same group have such diametrically opposed views Give examples of the Skoptsy trying to conceal their identity. Living arrangements and the stories told to authorities would be two good ways to do this. Then discuss the various Skoptsy efforts to be known. Draw the two together to answer the final part of this question.
PART III - SHORT ESSAY (30 points, 20 minutes)
Select one of the topics below and write an essay. Again remember to support your points with examples and to answer all parts of the question you chose.
1. What do the Skoptsy do with a severed body part? Explain this in terms of East Slavic body integrity beliefs.
2. When minstrels ask for alms, they make a special appeal for a piece of cloth. Skoptsy regularly hold a white handkerchief. Explain these two facts in the context of East Slavic beliefs about cloth.
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