Courses

Surveys the major works of 20th century central and central east European film and literature. Examines cultural production in the non-imperial countries and non-national languages of the region including Yiddish, Belarusian, Czech, Hungarian, Polish and Romanian, among others. Traces the rise of nationalism over the course of the century from the age of empires through the "Cold War." Taught in English. Same as JWST 3401.

Focuses on the critical analysis of the Russian cultural discourse through Russian idioms. Taught in Russian. Same as RUSS 4230.

Examines the Russian novel and its evolution as well as Western and Russian theories of the novel as they engage and reflect upon the claims of modernity. Taught in English. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Same as COML 5352.

Explores major fictional and dramatic texts of great Russian writer Nikolai Vasil'evich Gogol (1809-52) -- "The strangest prose-poet Russia ever produced" (Nabokov). Works will be analyzed in the context of Western and Russian Romanticism. Relevant nonfiction texts will also be introduced when appropriate. Class will be run largely as group discussion, with necessary historical and critical background provided. Taught in English. Recommended prereq., RUSS 4811.

Focuses on close reading of major novels and other works by Dostoevsky, one of the most important psychological novelists in modern literature, a profound religious thinker, and the greatest crime novelist in the world. Taught in English. Same as RUSS 4431.

Examines the development of Tolstoy's thought and literary style through study of the novel War and Peace and short works from different periods of Tolstoy's writing. Taught in English. Same as RUSS 4441.

Analyzes the life and creative works of the author of some of the funniest and some of the gloomiest stories in Russian literature. Examines Chekhov's major plays that laid the foundation for modernist theatre. Taught in English. Same as RUSS 4451.

Acquaints students with major issues concerning women in 20th century Russian culture. Examines sources from folk culture, popular culture, and high culture (poetry, prose, songs, tales, visual art, and cinema) that mythologize or question women's images and societal roles. All texts and films are offered in English translation. Taught in English. Same as RUSS 4471 and WMST 4471.

May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Taught in English. Same as COML 5830.

Examines Russian plays of the 20th and 21st centuries (from Chekhov to contemporary authors) in the context of the Western theatre theory. Through the analysis of plays and their theatrical/filmic productions, students will familiarize themselves with main genres of modern drama and most influential directorial styesl from Stanislavsky's "method" to contemporary verbatim theatre. All readings are in English. Prereq., RUSS 2221 or instructor consent. Same as RUSS 4841. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.

Through structured discussions, selected readings, and written assignments, examines topics in Russian film from socio-historical and cultural studies perspectives. Identification and critical analysis of concepts and assumptions underlying differing cinematic approaches to controversial topics. Taught in English. Same as RUSS 4851.

Studies themes of grotesque, bizarre, surreal, absurd, supernatural, and fantastic in Russian short stories and novels of the 19th and 20th centuries. Discusses works by Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Kharms, Bulgakov, Siniavskii, Petrushevskaia, and Pelevin, within contexts of Russian folklore, Freud and Jung's interpretations of jokes and dreams, and Romanticism. Recommended prereq., one upper division humanities course. Taught in English. Same as RUSS 4861.

May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Prereq., graduate standing or instructor consent required. Prerequisites: Restricted to Graduate Students only.