Students in this course will read controversial Russian literary texts, written from the late 18th century through the beginning of the 21st century, which brought upon their authors political or social censure from the Russian or Soviet state. As we read and discuss these texts in their cultural and historical contexts, we will consider the stylistic, narrative and other features of each text that may have attracted such unfavorable attention. The course will conclude with a comparative discussion of the place of the writer in society. Note: The course includes readings both of poetry and prose fiction; the word poet in the course title is designed to evoke the broader image of the writer in Russian society. Students who took either Russian 2103 or Political Science 2202 are not eligible to take Russian 4101 due to overlap in content. Note: Fourth hour conducted in Russian; all readings are to be done in Russian; all papers and tests are in Russian.