CLT 209A - Russian Civilization

Institution:

University of Rochester

Subject:

Description:

Russian Civilization from its beginnings a thousand years ago to the present day. Each unit will cover historical and cultural background as well as literary texts. We will examine important national "myths" (narratives with a variable connection to the historical record) that govern the Russians' understanding of their history and culture, including: the Golden Age of Kiev, Moscow as the Third Rome, and the myths surrounding the city of Petersburg. We will analyze traditional tensions in Russian civilization which prevail today, such as those between: chaos and order, foreign influence and a strong national identity, innovation and tradition, and between radical skepticism and faith. Readings will include: Russian fairy tales and saints' lives, excerpts from the autobiography of the 17th century heretic Avvakum, tales by Pushkin and Gogol, one of Dostoevsky's most powerful and influential novels ("The Devils/Possessed"), and a wide range of materials from the twentieth century. In English.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.rochester.edu

Phone Number:

(888) 822-2256

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.