RUSS 142b - Dostoevsky and Psychology

Institution:

Vassar College

Subject:

Description:

Fyodor Dostoevsky was an avid student of the human mind, with particular interest in aberrant and self-destructive behavior. He was steeped in the medical literature of his day, and drew on this knowledge as well as on his four-year-long prison experience to endow his characters with fascinating psychological depth. And after Dostoevsky's death, his works have been cited by Freud and some other psychologists to support theories of their own. This course focuses on a number of works in which Dostoevsky's depiction of psychological issues is particularly crucial to the central message he attempts to convey. Readings include three of the major novels (Crime and Punishment, The Devils, and The Brothers Karamazov) as well as a number of Dostoevsky's shorter works. A detailed examination of the texts is accompanied by a discussion of the nineteenth century psychological literature which was admired by Dostoevsky, as well as that which was later produced under his influence. Mr. KlimoffAll readings and discussion in English. Two 75-minute periods plus a 50-minute discussion session. Not offered in 2008/09.

Credits:

1.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.vassar.edu

Phone Number:

(845) 437-7000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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