Readings in Russian Literature: Pushkin and Others

In this course, we will read Alexander Pushkin’s principal works, poetry and prose, as well as   responses to his art by later writers, from the 19^th century to our days (Lermontov, Mayakovsky, Akhmatova, Brodsky, and others). We will learn to read Russian poetry slowly and closely while also attending to the broader questions of Pushkin’s place in Russian and world culture and his lasting legacy and image

In addition to familiarizing students with Pushkin’s work, the course aims to develop their fluency in literary Russian, enhance their vocabulary, and equip them with stylistic and rhetorical tools for reading, appreciating and analyzing literature in Russian. To that end, all readings, discussions and assignments are in Russian.

The course is open to all undergraduate and graduate students with advanced knowledge of Russian and interest in Russian literature and culture.

Пушкин есть явление чрезвычайное и, может быть, единственное явление русского духа, сказал Гоголь. Прибавлю от себя: и пророческое… Пушкин умер в полном развитии своих сил и бесспорно унёс с собою в гроб некоторую великую тайну. И вот мы теперь без него эту тайну разгадываем. (Достоевский, «Речь о Пушкине»)

Texts: A Reader

Prerequisites: Russian 103B [formerly Slavic 103B] or consent of instructor.