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 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, and Chekhov. All readings will be in English. Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: active class participation, two short papers, class presentations, and a final research project. No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 20 (expected: 20).