Welcome

News & Events

  • Russian Language Table Thurs. 12:30 Sharples, # 6
  • New Course: Russian 033: Terror in Russia (Pesenson)

Welcome to Russian at Swarthmore College!

The Russian Federation is a huge and varied country with a long and complex history, unequaled cultural treasures (literature, ballet, folklore, cuisine) and great natural beauty. Study of Russian at Swarthmore offers entry to this culture and place, whose world importance is evolving and continuing over time. The Russian language is particularly satisfying to anyone who loves beautiful and intricate systems, making its study a pleasure on its own terms.

FEATURED COURSES FALL 2007

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Russian 013: The Russian Novel

(Cross-listed as LITR 013R)
The Russian novel represents Russia's most fundamental contribution to world culture. This course surveys classic authors and experimental works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Students in the course will deepen their understanding of the context for writers, including Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. They will gain familiarity with literary movements and genres including romanticism, realism, the psychological novel, the picaresque novel, modernism, and the postmodern as they developed in Russia. We will highlight issues including the relationship of Russia to the West, national identity, and the complex relationship of literature and politics.

 

Russian 017: East European Prose in Translation (FYS)

(Cross-listed as LITR 017R)

Novels and stories by the most prominent 20th-century writers of this multifaceted and turbulent region. Analysis of individual works and writers with the purpose of appreciating the religious, linguistic, and historical diversity of Eastern Europe in an era of war, revolution, political dissent, and outstanding cultural and intellectual achievement. Readings, lectures, writing, and discussion in English; qualified students may do some readings in the original language(s). Writing-intensive course limited to 15 students.
Writing Course. 1 credit.