Studies in 20th-Century Russian Literature (1900-1930s) (438-0-20)
Topic
Russian Modernist Prose
Instructors
Nina Gourianova
847/491-2937
1880 Campus Dr. #3365
Office Hours: Wednesdays 1:00-2:00pm and by appointment
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Tues 3:00PM - 5:50PM
Overview of class
This course is a general survey of Russian Prose of the early 20th century, with emphasis on Modernist works in the context of Formalist Theory. Readings are in Russian (or in both Russian and English translation where available) and include major works and short stories by Ivan Bunin, Maxim Gorky, Fedor Sologub, Andrei Platonov, Boris Pilniak, Mikhail Bulgakov, and others.
Registration Requirements
Undergraduates are required to get instructor's permission before signing.
Learning Objectives
The focus is on discussion and presentation assignments. We will discuss the literary texts in the wide content of the political, social, historical, and aesthetic issues. The instructor provides some methodological tools including (but not limited to) close reading, semiotics, literary theory to help student progress in their academic writing.
Evaluation Method
weekly short presentations (5-10 min each on the topics assigned by instructor); one 30 min presentation on the topic of your choice (upon instructor's approval); choice of final written exam (2 essay questions) or final paper, based on your 30 min presentation in class; contributions to discussion, class participation.
Class Materials (Required)
Emailed by instructor as PDF files