Dr Kaarina Koski (University of Helsinki, Finland) course "Cultures of Death"

A new course HVKU.04.019 Cultures of death (3 ECTS) by Dr Kaarina Koski (University of Helsinki, Finland). Lectures will be held from 1st to 8th  April. Course is opened for registration. The course consists of four lectures with conversation, additional reading, and a writing assignment.

Lectures:

1. Monday, April 1 at 14.15  (Ülikooli 16-214) - Death and death rituals
2. Wednesday, April 3 at 16.15  (Ülikooli 16-212) - Afterlife beliefs
3. Friday, April 5 at 14.15 (Ülikooli 16-214) - Contacts with the dead
4. Monday, April 8 at 14.15 (Ülikooli 16-214) - Conversation: Continuing bonds today

The course gives an overview on the various ways that humankind has reacted to the fact of mortality. By examples from various cultures, yet focusing on traditions from Europe and Baltic Finns, the students learn general elements of death rituals and afterlife beliefs, and the impact of social and cultural changes to death-related beliefs and practices. Encounters with the dead and folklore about the restless souls and revenants are discussed, as well as the issues of contemporary death cultures in the western societies.

All are very welcome!

Information: Liilia Laaneman, Department of Estonian and Comparative Folklore, liilia.laaneman@ut.ee, 737 5304