Essay-writing, analysis of texts, oral and written reports, and translation.

An intense practical study of the uses of the Russian language in a variety of texts, styles and discourses. Topics include: the Russian Bible and Russian religious discourse, nineteenth-century narrative techniques (Gogol’s skaz, Dostoevsky’s polyphony, Tolstoy’s syntax), orality, folklore patterns, language of the Imperial and Soviet power (the revolutionary language in the 1920s, discourse of Stalinist subjectivity, Soviet newspaper language), and others. The main goal of this course is acquisition of language and analytical skills that are essential for professional engagement with a variety of Russian texts and discourses. The class is conducted entirely in Russian. Aimed primarily at the beginning (first- and second-year) graduate students in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, the course may be also of use for graduate students in comparative literature, history, and social sciences. Requirements: Short, intense weekly readings of primary texts, occasional theoretical readings, and active participation in class discussion. There will be regular written homework (close readings, translations, compositions) and a take-home final examination. Texts: Buy Slavic 204 Reader (on paper!) at Metro Publishing, 2440 Bancroft Way: call (510) 644-1999 or e-mail <metropublishing@gmail.com> to order your copy. Additional readings will be posted on bCourses.

Synchronous instruction attendance of zoom classes, with the camera on, is required.

Prerequisites: Advanced knowledge of Russian; graduate standing or consent of instructor.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.