109-123 Gogol and Beyond

Credit Points

HECS Band

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Semester

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Subject Description

In this subject students study works from Russian literature of the 19th century (Lermontov, Gogol, Tolstoy) and the 20th century, as well as works of other East European literatures (Kundera, Andrukhovych). Students will examine shared literary features and, especially, the role of literature in Eastern Europe in defining, reinforcing and challenging national myths and identities. Students should become familiar with concepts and models from postcolonial theories and be able to apply them to the interpretation and criticism of the texts in question. The subject is taught in English. Students taking a Major in Russian will be expected to read specified texts in the original.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words.

Prescribed Texts

• M Lermontov, A Hero of Our Time. Oxford.
• L Tolstoy, Cossacks. Viking.
• Y Andrukhovych, Recreations. Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies Press, Edmonton.
• N Gogol, Village Evenings near Dikanka and Mirgorod. Oxford.
• N Gogol, Dead Souls. Oxford.
• M Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being. Faber.