| Course ID: | RUSS 4080. 3 hours. |
| Course Title: | Nabokov |
Course
Description: | A discussion-oriented survey of Vladimir Nabokov's life and works, with particular attention to questions of cross-cultural literary identity. In-depth consideration of the author's creative responses to the nineteenth-century Russian literary tradition. All readings and discussion in English. |
| Oasis Title: | NABOKOV |
| Grading System: | A-F (Traditional) |
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| Course Objectives: | This course will address the following issues:
methodologies of close reading
literary influence: allusion, parody, intertextuality,
translation and adaptation
the biographical approach to literary studies
theories of cultural and multi-cultural identity
twentieth-century historical events as they influence
private and literary life
filming the literary work
Students will develop skills in discussion, argumentation and
formal writing. Requirements include regular assigned readings
and class participation, five brief written responses to readings,
three short formal essays (3-4 pages), and a class presentation
leading to a longer final paper (8-10 pages). |
| Topical Outline: | Biography and autobiography
"Speak, Memory"
First poems
Chess problems
Scientific discoveries
"Strong Opinions"
Exporting a heritage
Nabokov's translation of Alexander Pushkin's
"Eugene Onegin"
"Nikolai Gogol"
The Berlin years
Short stories
"Invitation to a Beheading"
Inventing America
"Pnin"
"Lolita" (the novel, Nabokov's screenplay, and the films) |
| Honor Code Reference: | Students are expected to conform to the UGA Student Honor Code.
The instructor will communicate to students the required
documentation for written assignments, what constitutes
authorized assistance in course assignments, and the effect
of dishonesty or unauthorized assistance upon grading. |