Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced analysis of specific problems in social, intellectual, and political history of modern Russia. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 419W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Anna Karenina's Russia

The Russian Empire was going through tumultuous political and social change in the time period when Leo Tolstoy conceived Anna Karenina. In this seminar, we will use this novel, written in 1875-1877, as a starting point to explore and analyze late-19th-century Russian history and culture. Among the topics we will discuss are family life, social relations, modernization and industrialization, gender and sexuality, imperialism, art, war, and political power. To be sure, we will not use Anna Karenina merely as a window onto Russian and European history – although it is a fabulous window – but also take the time to appreciate the novel’s production, structure, and aesthetics and explore its author’s biography and legacy.

Participants who complete the seminar will have read and grappled with one of the most acclaimed works in world literature, a worthwhile goal in and of itself. They will also advance their understanding of the history of imperialism in general and the Russian empire of the 19th century in particular, especially as it existed during the tumultuous reign of Alexander II. And they will have an opportunity to improve their writing skills.


EXPECTATIONS:  Students enrolled in this seminar will be required to produce several response papers, and write two different essays. The required length of the first essay is 6-9 pages. The required length of the second essay is 10-16 pages. Students will be expected to participate actively in, and sometimes lead, discussions and prepare at least one oral presentation. Students should also be prepared for a possibility of one or more pop quizzes on the reading.

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING: