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Literature and Theatre

Russian Literature: An Introduction

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

The course introduces the fascinating world of medieval and classic Russian literature in a historic and social context. Starting with 12th century literature, the course examines important stages in Russian literature’s formation and development.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Content of Course

1. Introduction. The roots of Russian literature and stages of its development.

2. ‘The Tale of the Campaign of Igor’. Pushkin, Alexander Tales of Belkin.

3. Gogol, Nikolay The Government Inspector.

4. Ostrovsky, Alexander The Storm.

5. Turgenev, Ivan Rudin.

6. Tolstoy, Leo The Kreutzer Sonata.

7. Dostoevsky, Fyodor The Gambler.

8. Goncharov, Ivan Oblomov.

9. Kuprin, Alexander The Bracelet of Garnets.

10. Gorky, Maxim Mother.

11. Conclusion.

Teaching method(s)

This course offers students an opportunity to explore in detail the themes, stylistic trends and innovations of a range of Russian texts (in translation). Students will be encouraged to read the texts in advance of the class, so that they are able to engage in discussion during the class, guided and gently encouraged by the tutor. Classes will include a presentation by the tutor to give an overview of the text and writer and to highlight key themes.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate awareness of the formation and development of Russian fiction.

  • Identify the stylistic and thematic traits of key writers;

  • Situate texts within the political, social and cultural contexts in which they were written.

  • Apply techniques of literary analysis to the texts, using recognised literary terminology.

Sources

Core Readings

Recommended:

Any edition of the following:

  • Dostoevsky, Fyodor The Gambler

  • Gogol, Nikolay The Government Inspector.

  • Goncharov, Ivan Oblomov.

  • Gorky, Maxim Mother

  • Kuprin, Alexander The Bracelet of Garnets.a

  • Ostrovsky, Alexander The Storm.

  • Pushkin, Alexander Tales of Belkin.

  • Tolstoy, Leo The Kreutzer Sonata..

  • Turgenev, Ivan. Rudin.

  • The Tale of the Campaign of Igor.

Queries

If you have questions regarding the course or enrolment, please contact COL Reception at Paterson's Land by email or by phone 0131 650 4400.

Student support

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or health condition which may affect your studies, please let us know by ticking the 'specific support needs' box on your course application form. This will allow us to make appropriate adjustments in advance and in accordance with your rights under the Equality Act 2010. For more information please visit the Student Support section of our website.