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

Meeting Info

McCormick Foundation Ctr Forum: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

We will read two of the greatest novels in world literature, Dostoevsky's Brothers Karamazov and Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. The goal is for you to understand why these books are so praised - what sets them above other novels - and to derive wisdom from them. These books address life's ultimate questions - is there such a thing as objective good and evil, how shall we understand love and its role in life, what makes a life meaningful, and similar questions these novels are known for considering with profundity otherwise unobtainable. If the course works, you will see why great literature is worth the effort while acquiring skills to understand it better on your own.

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 and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - Annenberg Hall G01: Tues 3:00PM - 3:50PM

DIS - Harris Hall L06: Wed 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Parkes Hall 214: Tues 10:00AM - 10:50AM