True Fictions: Russian Prose since 1900 – Writing Intensive

3 credits

RUSS-3390W

Russian
College of Arts and Science

Survey of Russian prose fiction of the twentieth and early twenty-first century. During this time, Russia experienced a series of dizzying changes in society and culture. Against this backdrop of tumultuous change, Russian writers responded, often more rapidly and insightfully than the state’s cultural/political ideologues themselves. As we examine the continuing development of Russian prose in this period, we will consider topics such as literary experimentation and “revolution” and its aftermath; the interaction fiction of the Russian writer with both their historical time and a larger literary tradition; and the (re)creation of times, places, and events, real and imagined. Course provides a history of Russian prose fiction after 1900, explores various theories of analytical reading of imaginative prose, and hones writing skills about evaluative reading. Readings, lecture and discussion in English; no previous knowledge of Russian literature is assumed. Prerequisites: ENGLSH 1000. Recommended: Sophomore standing.