Studies in Russian Literary and Cultural Criticism (441-0-1)

Topic

Socialist Realism

Instructors

Nina Gurianova
847/491-2937
1880 Campus Dr. #3365
Office Hours: Wednesdays 1:00-2:00pm and by appointment

Meeting Info

University Library 3322: Mon 3:30PM - 6:20PM

Overview of class

This course focuses on the theory and practice of Socialist Realism dogma in literature and beyond. We will examine Socialist Realism in contrast to the most innovative and experimental forms of modernism and avant-garde visual and literary narratives (from prose and poetry to political posters and commercial advertisements) forged in a crucible of intense political and cultural interaction in Russia and Europe in 1920- 1930-s. We focus on the ways the images and metaphors have been used as carriers of cultural value and ideological meaning, exploring such issues as word and image, gender and nationality, aesthetics and psychology, politics and propaganda. Since the course topic involves such disciplines as visual art, literature, cultural theory, and philosophy, readings include modern and contemporary aesthetic theories (Shklovsky, Gyorgy Lukacs, Boris Groys) and twentieth-century political and ethical philosophy (Gramsci, Ortega-i-Gasset, Walter Benjamin et al.), and psychology (Freud, Edward Bernays).

Registration Requirements

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.