RUSS 203 Nineteenth-Century Russian Literature in Translation (Same as Comparative Literature 203) (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008)
Literature provided the primary medium for political, philosophical, and
religious debate in nineteenth-century Russia. It was also one of the major fora
through which "Russia" could begin to define itself as a nation, tied to, but distinct from, Western Europe. For a long time, Russian authors had relied quite
heavily on foreign literary models for inspiration and direction, and it was only
in the early part of the nineteenth century that a specifically "Russian" tradition
could be seen to emerge. In addition to its task of introducing major Russian authors and their creative ideas, this course will seek to examine the rise of Russian
literature as such, its key movements and their proponents, and the recurring
theme of "Russianness" and national identity. Readings by Karamzin, Chaadaev, Pushkin, Gogol, Goncharov, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Chekhov.
All readings will be in English. As part of the Critical Reasoning and Analytical
Skills initiative, this course will focus on developing students' ability to analyze
literature objectively and to interpret literature in both written and oral arguments.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: active class participation, frequent
short papers, one oral presentation, and a final research project.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 19). Preference to majors in
Russian and Comparative Literature.