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Literature and Theatre

War and Peace: A Study of the Great Russian Epic

Course Times & Enrolment

This course is currently unavailable.

Course Summary

This course will closely examine one of the world’s greatest epic novels. Written by Leo Tolstoy in the 19th century, War and Peace offers an incredible opportunity to investigate society during the Napoleonic War era in Russia. Through this novel we can discover various facets of human nature and see how society is reflected in Tolstoy’s writing.

Course Details

Pre-requisites for enrolment

None.

Content of Course

1. Introduction. Leo Tolstoy as a novelist. Biographical and historical context. Genesis of War and Peace. War and Peace in media.

2. Books 1-5. Genre, literary techniques, background.

3. Books 6-10. Russian society of the time.

4. Books 11-13. Evolution of characters.

5. Books 14-15, Epilogues 1 and 2. Russia and the West. Conclusion.

Teaching method(s)

Discussion-based classes with short introductory lectures.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Identify different literary techniques used in the novel;

  • Discuss social commentary from the novel;

  • Make comparisons to other literature from the same era.

Sources

Core Readings

Essential:

  • Tolstoy L (2001) War and Peace. Wordsworth Editions or any other edition of War and Peace

Web Sources

http://www.notablebiographies.com/St-Tr/Tolstoy-Leo.html

Class Handouts

Class handouts will be provided by the tutor during the course.

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.