Tolstoy

3 credits · Undergraduate credit

This course covers some of the major works written by Leo Tolstoy throughout his long and extremely productive artistic life - from the 1850s through the beginning of the 20th century. While examining Tolstoy's masterpieces in connection with religious, political, and social developments of that period, this course also focuses on how Tolstoy's writings, his religious and political views changed the Russian intellectual landscape. The course emphasizes the main existential problems that preoccupied Tolstoy and focuses on his artistic devices and narrative strategies. The class is designed both for those with a general interest in Russian literature, and for those with a specific, scholarly or literary interest in Tolstoy. All readings are in English translation. No prior knowledge of Russian literature and culture is necessary.