Introduction to Russian Literature (210-2-1)

Instructors

Gary S Morson
1880 Campus Dr. (Kresge) Office 3369
Office Hours: Tuesdays 2:15-4:15 pm

Nina Anatolievna Wieda

Meeting Info

Fisk Hall 217: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

In this course, we will examine two of the greatest works of world literature, The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky, and Anna Karenina by Tolstoy, in depth. These two novels raise profound questions and offer challenging answers to the most important issues of life: What gives life meaning, how to understand evil, the nature and kinds of love, the significance of death, faith and despair, how to make ourselves and the world around us better, and the way human minds work. We will see why Tolstoy and Dostoevsky are often considered the greatest psychologists who ever lived and why Russian literature conveys a sense of urgency perhaps unmatched anywhere else in human culture. Students will also learn skills for understanding novels that will make it easier and more rewarding to read great fiction generally.

Class Materials (Suggested)

Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov - Modern Library.
Tolstoy, Anna Karenina - Modern Library.

Be sure to use these editions!! Translations matter.

Also: Morson, "Anna Karenina" in Our Time: Seeing More Wisely (Yale UP)

Class Attributes

Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - Parkes Hall 212: Mon 2:00PM - 2:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Mon 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Wed 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-420: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Parkes Hall 212: Thurs 3:00PM - 3:50PM

DIS - Fisk Hall 114: Thurs 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Parkes Hall 215: Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Crowe Hall 5-178: Mon 1:00PM - 1:50PM