126-210 Russian C19th Literature and Society

This subject is an introduction to Russian culture and society in the 19th century through the study of literary texts against a background of Russian and European artistic and intellectual movements (Romanticism, Realism, 'Nihilism', 'new art' at the turn of the century). Students who complete the subject should have become familiar with selected major texts of the 19th century Russian literary canon, and be able to critique these through contemporary critical theory and in an interdisciplinary context which draws on philosophy and the arts in European culture in general. The texts are studied in English, but students specialising in Russian language read specified texts in the original.

• be able to study independently;

• be able to apply theoretical knowledge for practical purposes;

• be able to commit to memory large amounts of information;

• be able to clearly structure and express complex intellectual arguments.

A written classpaper of 1000 words 25% (due during semester), an essay of 3000 words 65% (due at the end of semester), attendance and participation in tutorials 10%.

• A Pushkin, The Queen of Spades.
• M Lermontov, A Hero of our Time.
• L Tolstoy, Anna Karenina.
• F Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment.
• I Turgenev, Fathers and Sons.