Tolstoy

Close readings of Tolstoy's major novels ( War and Peace and Anna Karenina, in particular) and shorter narratives with special emphasis on his iconoclastic ideas about art, religion, philosophy, and society. Considers Tolstoy's formal innovation in a broader historical and cultural context. The course will discus Tolstoy's contribution to the European novel. Focus on improving writing skills and critical thinking. Lectures and discussion. No knowledge of Russian required.