Courses

Russian literature reflects the nation's shifting values, aspirations, and challenges and offers fascinating insights into its complex contemporary culture. In this course, we will walk in the footsteps of Russian novelists, poets, and short-story authors to unravel the intricate relationship between literature and real-life events, exploring how writers grapple with the pressing issues of their times. Together, we will read and discuss literary works that explore Russia’s brutal transition to communism after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, the dreary decades of Soviet rule after Stalin and Khrushchev, the retreat from communism that started with Gorbachev’s perestroika in the 1980s, and more. We will also study the fates of the authors, many of whom were silenced, while examining the role they played as societal architects, influencing and reflecting their nation’s path. From Akhmatova's introspective poetry to Bulgakov’s biting satire to Solzhenitsyn's courageous dissent, we'll uncover how Russian authors left an indelible mark on Russia's collective consciousness. Our review will culminate in a literary examination of Putin's Russia, and we’ll analyze the ways in which literature continues to play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse despite increasing state censorship. Students in this immersive course will enjoy a fascinating cultural journey guided by narratives that reflect the evolution of Russian society and will emerge with informed insights into the enigmas of contemporary Russia.