Studies include a varied selection of primary texts. Intended as an introduction to the study of modern literature for beginning graduate students in Russian literature. Pre-revolutionary, Soviet, and Emigre authors, trends, and genres. Includes survey of 20th-century Literary Criticism as well, in particular Russian Formalists and Mikhail Bakhtin. Topics include post-colonialism, gender, reflections of social upheavals, artistic experimentation, issues of commercialism in art, search for new cultural expressions and identity.
Readings are in both Russian and English.
Students must read, in Russian, the literary works involved and become familiar with the social, historical, and philosophical backgrounds that inspire them. Selected authors and topics. Offered in Russian. Discussions-lectures feature department faculty and colleagues from related fields discussing the fields of study and the research materials and techniques employed. Current and future trends in pedagogy and technology.