Speak, Memory: Autobiography and Memoir in Russian Literature
RUSS 220
Spring 2009
| Section:
01
|
| Crosslisting:
REES 220 |
Memoirs and autobiographical prose have been a major genre of Russian literature, particularly for women, since the 18th century. They offer a chance for the individual to make sense of his or her relationship to larger historical forces and allow writers of fiction and poetry to reflect on the tensions between biography and the creative process. We will read major works from the 18th century to the present, including Nadezhda Durova's account of her life on the front lines in the Napoleonic Wars; Dostoevsky's prison memoirs; the poet Mandelstam's reminiscences of a prerevolutionary childhood and his wife's account of Stalin's terror; and intense memories of childhood by Marina Tsvetaeva and Vladimir Nabokov. Attention will be paid throughout the course to related theoretical problems (narratology, feminism, and historiography, etc.). All works will be read in English translation. |
|
Essential Capabilities:
Intercultural Literacy, Interpretation
Lectures, discussions, and papers focus on the interpretation of literary texts. Students must acquire knowledge of historical and cultural background of Russia, 1800-present.
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA RUSS |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: (REES-MN)(REES-Lang/Lit/C) |
|
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 | | Special Attributes: FYI |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Fyodor Dostoevsky, HOUSE OF THE DEAD
Leo Tolstoy, CHILDHOOD
Osip Mandelstam, THE NOISE OF TIME
Nadezhda Mandelstam, HOPE AGAINST HOPE
Marina Tsvetaeva, AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL ESSAYS
Vladimir Nabokov, SPEAK, MEMORY
|
Examinations and Assignments:
Three papers (5-7pp.); one oral presentation |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Attendance and participation are required. All papers must be submitted as hard copy. |
| Instructor(s): Fusso,Susanne Grace Times: .M.W... 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: FISK312; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 19 | | SR major: 0 | JR major: 0 | | |
| Seats Available: 12 | GRAD: 0 | SR non-major: 0 | JR non-major: 0 | SO: 0 | FR: 19 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
|
|