Russian literature: 19th century romanticism

You will explore early 19th century literature through the works of Pushkin, Lermontov and their contemporaries, you will discover and enjoy originality, imagination, wit, technical efficiency and distinct social colouring of their poetry and prose.

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Key course information

Dates
13/01/12 - 23/03/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
11 weeks

Time
15:35 - 17:35

Fees
Full fee: £110
Senior fee: £62
Concession: £30

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HH040

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course aims to explore 19th century romantic poetry and prose through the works of Alexander Pushkin and his contemporaries.

What topics will we cover?

Weekly outline
1 - Russian romanticism and its most important achievements. A. Pushkin (1799-1837) and a look at his work.
2 - A.Pushkin. “The Bronze Horseman”. An analysis of the conflict between an individual and the state.
3 - A.Pushkin. “Yevgeniy Onegin” and its impact on Russian literature.
4 - A.Pushkin. “Yevgeniy Onegin” and its main themes and characters.
5 - A.Pushkin’s fairy tales.
6 - A. Pushkin ‘s prose. “The Tales of the Late Ivan Petrovich Belkin”.
7 - A.Pushkin. “The Queen of Spades”. An exploration of the main themes and characters.
8 - A.Pushkin. “The Captain’s Daughter”- an example of swift and economical prose.
9 - A.Pushkin. “The Negro of Peter the Great”- a story of Pushkin’s great grandfather.
10 - M.Lermontov (1814-1841). An introduction to one of the greatest Russian lyricists and a close look at some of his poems.
11 - M.Lermontov. “A Hero of Our Time”. A close study of the first Russian psychological novel.
12 - M.Lermontov. “A Hero of Our Time”. An examination of the theme of the superfluous man. A final look at the direction Russian writing was taking in the first half of the 19th century.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- understand the essence of Russian romanticism
- analyse the style and issues of texts studied
- evaluate political and social developments in Russia in the first half of the 19th century
- appreciate Pushkin’s great contribution to the Russian language and literature.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No previous knowledge required. Anyone who enjoys reading and is willing to take part in discussion is welcome.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There will be a variety of teaching methods: teacher input, group discussions, presentations by students, readings and video.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The following books are available in libraries, bookshops and via the Internet.

The Penguin Book of Russian Verse. Ed. by D.Obolensky.
Alexander Pushkin. Everyman’s Poetry, 1997.
Alexander Pushkin. Yevgeniy Onegin.
Alexander Pushkin. The Queen of Spades and Other Stories. Penguin Classics.
Alexander Pushkin. The Tales of the Late Ivan Petrovich Belkin.
Pushkin Threefold. Translations by Walter Arndt. Ardis Edition. 1993. (Contents: shorter poems, narrative poems, fairy tales and ballads).
Mikhail Lermontov. A Hero of Our Time.

Further Reading
Abram Tertz. Strolls with Pushkin. Yale University, 1993.
Elaine Feinstein. Pushkin. Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1998.
Serena Vitale. Pushkin’s Button. Fourth Estate Ltd. 1999.
Andrew Barratt & A.D.P.Briggs. A Wicked Irony. BCP, 1989.
T.J.Binyon. Pushkin. A Biography. Harper Collins Publishers, 2003.
Problems of Russian Romanticism. Ed. by Robert Reid. Gower Publishing Company, 1986.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.