Esoteric Russia

A survey of the main currents of mystical, esoteric, occult, and magical theories and practices in Russia from the 11th century onward. Topics include pagan survivals, Orthodox mysticism and magic, heresies and schisms, Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism, Mesmerism and Spiritualism, H. P. Blavatsky, and G. I. Gurdjieff. No knowledge of Russian is necessary. Prerequisite: HIST 1400, 1410, or UNIV 0820, or instructor permission.