A survey of the writer's principal artistic works, treated in relation to his life and to developments in Russian and European literature. Extensive outside reading required for this course.

This course offers an introduction in translation to the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky. We will read Dostoevsky’s two most influential novels, Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov, alongside some of his shorter fiction. Our discussions will focus on the ethical, philosophical, and aesthetic dimensions of Dostoevsky’s work in addition to historical and biographical context. Over the course of the semester we will examine Dostoevsky’s evolution as an artist while also tracing the problems of human freedom, the nature of forgiveness, and the existence of evil throughout his major texts. Classes will be taught over Zoom using a combination synchronous/asynchronous approach. Most class sessions will consist of lecture and discussion. Students will be expected to write two papers and take two exams and to engage in weekly online discussion posts. Texts: Fyodor Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground and The Double (Penguin, Coulson trans.) Fyodor Dostoevsky, Poor Folk and Other Stories (Penguin, McDuff trans.) Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment (Norton Critical Edition, 3rd ed.) Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Brothers Karamazov (Norton Critical Edition, 2nd ed.) Nikolai Gogol, “The Nose” (to be available on bCourses as a PDF) Nikolai Gogol, “The Overcoat” (to be available on bCourses as a PDF)

Taught in a combination synchronous/asynchronous mode. Time conflict enrollments are not allowed.

Prerequisites: none.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills