At the close of the twentieth century, we are perfectly positioned to assess how the revolutionary changes that have swept over Russia during the last hundred years are reflected in the country's literature. In this course, we will read a variety of literary genres from several historical periods, placing emphasis on the Russian revolutions at the beginning and end of the twentieth century and their impact on the country's literature. Special attention will be paid to the pre-Revolutionary avant-garde, the emergence and decline of Soviet literature, and the unique contributions of women to the literary canon of Russia. Readings by Bulgakov, Pasternak, Nabokov, Solzhenitsyn, and others. Knowledge of Russian is not required. All readings will be in English. Requirements: active class participation, three short papers, and a final exam or research paper. No prerequisites.