This course provides an introduction to Russian culture and civilization by examining the country's rich art, music, film, literature, and other media. We will focus on a number of issues of particular importance in Russia today and explore their origins and evolution in the country's 1000-year history. Topics will include Russia's relationship to the West, the special role of literature in Russia, the Russia mafia, dictatorship and revolution, and the changing status of women in Russian society. Students will be required to make weekly postings on the course's website that will construct a virtual Russia on the internet. All works will be read in translation. Requirements: active class participation, weekly website postings, two short papers, and a final research project. No prerequisites.