This course explores the diverse landscape of contemporary literature, examining works from both mainstream and experimental traditions across Russian and English-language literatures, with occasional forays into texts from other post-totalitarian societies (except Russia). Students will analyze how literary markets and awards systems shape literary development, investigate literature's role in fostering individual agency under authoritarian regimes, and examine how literary works can sometimes reinforce authoritarian tendencies. The course places special emphasis on literature's capacity to process collective trauma and transform interpersonal communication patterns. Through close readings and discussions, students will develop critical frameworks for understanding literature's social and political functions in contemporary society. The course is conducted in Russian.
3-5 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
This course explores the diverse landscape of contemporary literature, examining works from both mainstream and experimental traditions across Russian and English-language literatures, with occasional forays into texts from other post-totalitarian societies (except Russia). Students will analyze how literary markets and awards systems shape literary development, investigate literature's role in fostering individual agency under authoritarian regimes, and examine how literary works can sometimes reinforce authoritarian tendencies. The course places special emphasis on literature's capacity to process collective trauma and transform interpersonal communication patterns. Through close readings and discussions, students will develop critical frameworks for understanding literature's social and political functions in contemporary society. The course is conducted in Russian.