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Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Module description

This module offers students the opportunity to learn about the political and social history of the Russian Empire through literature, and to consider literature’s relationship with politics and social movements. While in the eighteenth century, the most prestigious literary works were produced in the context of the Imperial court, the nineteenth century saw the emergence of numerous social movements, and literature took on new political meaning. This course tracks this transformation, with attention to broad questions about the definition of art and its ideal relationship with society, as well as the circumstances that gave literature its significance in the Russian Empire. The diverse reading list includes literature produced in service to the state; literature written to contribute to revolutionary movements; literature by women about female emancipation; literature articulating anti-colonial struggles; and literature reflecting on revolutionary events.

Intended learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the socio-political and literary-cultural context of writing in the Russian Empire in the period 1730-1917.
• Analyse and discuss in appropriate depth fictional or non-fictional works written during this period.
• Be able to incorporate relevant theories of socio-political context, as well as narrative and aesthetic theory, into discussions of literary works.
• Compare and contrast the discussion of relevant issues in different works of the period.
• Draw comparisons between the social significance of literature (and representative arts more broadly) in this period and the contemporary one.
• Demonstrate skills of independent study and research, oral presentation to student peers, and written analysis.