Russian 204, "Introduction to Russian Literature"

Katya Hokanson, Assistant Professor of Comparative Literature

In the nineteenth century, Russian literature emerged from obscurity to great fame and acclaim, producing some of the best and most famous writers in the history of literature.  Russia, always in struggle with its identity as a nation caught between Europe and Asia, was caught up in issues that became great philosophical questions:  what was Russia’s national identity and place in history?  Should serfdom be abolished?  Should women be educated?  Should science be relied upon to explain the world?  How should one live an ethical and meaningful life, and which form of government makes it possible?  And what is the role of literature in history and politics?

Texts include Pushkin’s Eugene Onegin, “Queen of Spades,” and “Bronze Horseman,” Lermontov’s A Hero of Our Time, Chaadaev’s “Philosophical Letter,” Karolina Pavlova’s A Double Life, as well as short works by Turgenev, Gogol, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy.  Films are also included.

Group-satisfying course for Arts and Letters, all readings and discussions in English.

Questions?  Contact me at hokanson@darkwing.uoregon.edu