Russian and Eurasian Studies 151f - First-Year Seminars

Institution:

Mount Holyoke College

Subject:

Description:

Fall 2008 151f(01) Crown Jewels of Russian Culture (First-year seminar; speaking-intensive course; taught in English)We will study masterworks of Russian civilization from a broad range of periods and types. These works of art, architecture, and literature define the essential moments in the formation of the idea of Russian culture. Topics will include: medieval churches and icons; Saint Petersburg: The Venice of the north; Tolstoy, and Dostoyevsky; the Romanov court jeweler Faberge; a film by Eisenstein; Tchaikovsky's ballet; and last, but not least, modern Russian dancers such as nureyev and Baryshnikov. Meets Humanities I-A requirement C. Pleshakov Prereq. fy or permission of instructor; 4 credits 151f(02) Anton Chekhov: The Major Plays (First-year seminar; writing-intensive course; taught in English) A study of Chekhov's major plays ( Seagull, Uncle Vanya,?ree Sisters, andThe Cherry Orchard) in the context of his short stories, farces, and letters. This course will focus on the singular traits of a Chekhov play: the dependence of character on ensemble; the startling effects of grotesque and absurdist humor; and the pervasive deflation of dramatic climax in favor of destabilizing trivia and laconicism. Analysis of notable productions of Chekhov's plays, including Stanislavsky's Seagull (18 6), the Chichester Festival's Uncle Vanya (1 6 ), and Louis Malle's Vanya on 42 Street (1 4). Students will keep journals and participate in short staged readings. Meets Humanities I-A requirement E. Cruise Prereq. fy or permission of instructor; 4 credits 151f(03) Anna Karenina: Loving to Death (First-year seminar; writing-intensive course; taught in English) Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina is an action-packed drama about love and passion, personal freedom and societal expectations, and the costs of living. We will read the text slowly, with attention to the ambiguities that defeat a clear or simple interpretation of the novel's message. We will screen several films of Anna Karenina and assess interpretations of the novel. Meets Humanities I-A requirement E. Cruise Prereq. fy or permission of instructor; 4 credits

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.mtholyoke.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 538-2000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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