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.
Athena Title
NABOKOV
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
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)
General Education Core
CORE IV: World Languages and Global CultureSyllabus