Course Description
Representative works in the original language. Conducted in Russian.
Athena Title
19th Century Russian Lit
Prerequisite
RUSS 3001 or RUSS 3011 or RUSS 3200
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The course will introduce students to the major writers of the 19th century: their lives and works, their place in the larger Russian literary tradition, and the relationships between literature and other aspects of Russian culture and civilization. Close readings of representative texts. At the same time, this course is designed to further develop students' language skills. All readings, class discussion, and written assignments are in Russian. Students will be evaluated on the basis of participation in class discussions, oral presentations, and regular written essays.
Topical Outline
(Following is a representative outline; different works or additional authors may be included at the discretion of the instructor.) Introduction: Historical background; Russian culture before the 19th c. A. S. Pushkin Biography; Pushkin's works in all genres and his central role in the Russian literary tradition; Pushkin's influence on the development of the modern Russian language Texts: selected shorter poems (students will be required to memorize some of these), "The Queen of Spades" M. Yu. Lermontov Biography; Lermontov's influence on later Russian literature Texts: selected poetry, excerpts from "A Hero of Our Time" N. V. Gogol Biography, major works. "The Overcoat" I. S. Turgenev Biography, major works. "Mumu" L. N. Tolstoy Biography, major works, Tolstoy's influence as a social critic and philosopher "After the Ball" A. P. Chekhov Biography, major works. "The Lady with the Little Dog"
Syllabus