Department
of German, Nordic, Slavic, and Dutch
Russian 3-421/5-421 Literature: Middle
Ages to Dostoevsky in Translation (Fall, 2022)
Instructor: Mr. Jahn
Office: 320H Folwell Hall, Tuesdays and Thursdays
11:00-12:30 (by Zoom preferred https://umn.zoom.us/j/94262112251?pwd=Q3JDVzV4bktMS3lhWTNSUVRMUVhnZz09), or by appointment.
Phone: 612-625-6557
Email: gjahn@umn.edu
Class
meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-2:15, in 108 Folwell
Hall
This course is scheduled
as an in-person course. All class sessions will be conducted in-person unless
situational factors interfere. These may include illness of the instructor or
of a significant number of those enrolled. In that case, the class will be held
synchronously via Zoom. Let’s hope for the best, but if Zoom becomes necessary
the address to be used is the same as the one listed above for Zoom office
hours.
General: Russian 3421 provides a survey of Russian literary history from
its beginnings about 1000 AD to the middle of the 19th century (including
Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky and Turgenev). The course
consists of a series of lectures on the facts of Russian literary history
interspersed with class discussions of selected authors, works, and secondary
materials. See the class calendar for details.
This course helps you meet the Liberal
Education core requirement in Literature through close study of the
language and meaning of the works we will read together. By "close
study" is meant the detailed analysis of selected texts informed by an
understanding of the cultural contexts in which the works appeared. The
850-year span of the literature covered by this course provides especially
fertile ground for such study, since it offers a highly diverse panorama of
culture and history. Thus, the period begins with the coming of literacy
and the creation of a literature among a people who had never had one before
and ends with the dawning of an age for which Russian literature becomes
recognized as one of the great achievements of Western culture. After
centuries as a distinctly medieval, Byzantine, and ecclesiastical literature,
the purposes, tenor, and appearance of Russian literature change dramatically
in the space of 100 years (ca. 1650-1750) into an aggressively modern,
European, and secular literature without, however, abandoning the underlying concern
for the spiritual and communal which had come to characterize it. Because
of this the course provides an excellent opportunity for consideration of such
questions as the nature and purposes of literature as these
change and develop in the context of changing cultural and historical
contexts. Students study the formal dimensions of literature: they study
how the authors' choices -- such as the choice of genre, style, character
presentation, vocabulary, meter or the use of
symbolism -- have created a work's effect of powerfully evoking the reader's
response. Class discussions will examine these formal dimensions of literature
closely. Especially important will be questions of artistic organization, genre and style, in particular the use of symbol, intertextual
allusion, and the modulation of narrative viewpoint in producing the effects
observed in the text.
With its emphasis on the close analysis of
texts Russ 3421 contributes especially toward the realization of the Student
Learning Outcomes which mandate understanding of diverse intellectual
and cultural phenomena, as illustrated by the manner in
which such diversity has marked the development of Russian literature
during the period from about 1000 CE to 1850, not only internally to Rus/Russia
but also in comparison with modern Western attitudes. Related closely to
this is the encouragement of the understanding of the role played by
creativity and innovation in the production of literary artifacts and in
the significance which have been accorded to these factors in various periods,
both within the culture of Rus/Russia and by comparison with our own.
Course Requirements: All required readings should be completed by
the date indicated for the beginning of discussion about them. The required
readings are all listed in the "Supplementary Materials" which may be
seen at http://www1.umn.edu/lol-russ/hpgary/Russ3421/Russ3421.htm. The class calendar attached to this syllabus
indicates which lesson in the "Supplementary Materials" and which particular texts are relevant to a given class meeting.
All
students must submit three 5-8 page papers
(double-spaced), one on each of the three main divisions of the course
material: Medieval and 18th-Century literature; the works of
Pushkin and Gogol; the works of Dostoevsky and Turgenev. Your papers will
respond to one of several topics on lists which will be supplied by the
instructor. Papers are due on the dates shown in the class calendar and should
be submitted electronically.
In
addition, students registered for Russ 5421 must submit (by the date shown in
the class calendar) a 10-15 page research paper or
interpretive essay on a subject mutually agreed to by student and instructor.
Russ 5421 students are best advised to obtain agreement to their proposed topic
by the mid-point of the semester, or very shortly thereafter.
I
invite you to submit a detailed outline or preliminary draft of your paper for
review prior to handing in your final product. This term-paper
requirement is intended for graduate students only.
However, undergraduate students who register for Russ 5421 should be aware
that they too must submit the paper described here to complete the requirements
of the course.
Grades:
Russ 3421
Recitation 10%
Paper #1 30%
Paper #2 30%
Paper #3 30%
Note: The "S" grade is awarded only
to students earning conventional grades of "A," "B," or
"C."
Invitation: The instructor would be most happy to meet with you during his
office hours or at another mutually convenient time for the purpose of
discussing any questions you may have about the material presented in the
course or of pursuing in greater detail any point that you may find to be of
particular interest.
Russ
5421
Russian 5421 is primarily designed to serve
the curricular needs of graduate students. Advanced standing
undergraduates are also most welcome. UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ARE, HOWEVER,
ADVISED TO CONSIDER REGISTERING FOR RUSSIAN 3421 INSTEAD. THE STANDARDS
AND WORKLOAD FOR RUSS 5421 ARE GREATER THAN FOR RUSS 3421, BUT THERE IS NO
CREDIT ADVANTAGE TO AN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT IN TAKING THE 5-LEVEL VERSION OF
THE COURSE.
Paper: In addition to the three short papers described above, students in Russ
5421 must submit one long (10-15 pages) paper on a topic mutually agreed to by
student and instructor. The paper is due on the day shown in the class
calendar. Russ 5421 students are best advised to obtain agreement to
their proposed topic by the mid-point of the semester, or very shortly
thereafter. I invite you to submit a detailed outline or preliminary
draft of your paper for review prior to handing in your final product.
Grades:
Paper #1 20%
Paper #2 20%
Paper #3 20%
Long Paper 40%
Class
Calendar
Russian
3421/5421 Literature: Middle Ages to Dostoevsky
in Translation
Professor
Jahn's office is in 320H Folwell Hall. His
phone number is 612-625-6557. His office hours are 11:00-12:30 Tuesdays and
Thursdays (or by appointment). Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays,
1:00-2:15, in 31 Folwell Hall.
Note: The "Supp. Matls." (Supplementary
Materials) referred to below are to be found on-line at
http://www1.umn.edu/lol-russ/hpgary/Russ3421/Russ3421.htm
These materials also contain the specific reading assignments, as well as study
questions, for each of the topics covered this semester.
Class Calendar for Fall Semester, 2022
|
Week # |
Tuesday |
Thursday |
|
1 |
9/6 Introduction, Overview, and Background |
9/8 The Origins of Old Russian Literature:
Christianity, Literacy, Literature |
|
2 |
9/13 Literature Comes to Rus Kievan
Period, I: Patristic and Hagiographic Literature (selections from Hilarion,
Cyril of Turov, and The Life of Theodosius) Supp. Matls. = Lesson 1 |
9/15 Kievan Period, II:
History and Epic (selections from The Primary Chronicle and The Lay
of Igor's Campaign) |
|
3 |
9/20 Tatar Yoke, the Second South Slavic Influence,
and the Muscovite Period in the 15th and 16th Centuries Supp. Matls. = Lesson 1) |
9/22 The Decline of Old Russian Literature: The Time
of Troubles and the Later 17th Century (selections from The Life
of Archpriest Avvakum) |
|
4 |
9/27 18th Century: The Modernization of the Literary
Language, the Invention of Poetry, and the Pioneers of Modern Russian
Literature Supp. Matls. = Lesson 2 |
9/29 Later 18th Century: Sentimentalism
and Karamzin (Poor Liza) |
|
5 |
10/4 A. S. Pushkin and The First Quarter of the 19th Century: Russian
Romanticism; Pushkin's Tales of Belkin |
10/6 "The Shot"
Supp. Matls. = Lesson 4 [paper #2
assigned] |
|
6 |
10/11 "The Stationmaster" Supp. Matls. = Lesson 4 |
10/13
"The Queen of Spades" |
|
7 |
10/18
"The Queen of Spades" |
10/20 "The Queen of Spades" |
|
8 |
10/25 N. V. Gogol and The Second Quarter of the 19th
Century: The Rise of Prose; Gogol's Petersburg Tales |
10/27 "The Nose" Supp. Matls.
= Lesson 6 |
|
9 |
11/1
"The Overcoat" |
11/3 "The Overcoat" |
|
10 |
11/8 "The Overcoat" |
11/10 F. M. Dostoevsky |
|
11 |
11/15 Poor Folk (Supp Matls,
Lesson 7) [paper #2 due] |
11/17 Poor Folk (Supp Matls,
Lesson 7) [paper #3 assigned] |
|
12 |
11/22 Poor Folk (Supp Matls,
Lesson 7) |
11/27 Thanksgiving Holiday |
|
13 |
11/29 I. S. Turgenev |
12/1 Fathers and Sons |
|
14 |
12/ 6 Fathers and Sons |
12/8 Fathers and Sons |
|
15 |
12/13 Review |
12/16 No Class |
|
|
12/21 Paper #3 due, delivered electronically by
noon 5421 long paper due |
|
University Policies
The University
seeks an environment that promotes academic achievement and integrity, that is
protective of free inquiry, and that serves the educational mission of the
University. Similarly, the University seeks a community that is free from
violence, threats, and intimidation; that is respectful of the rights, opportunities,
and welfare of students, faculty, staff, and guests of the University; and that
does not threaten the physical or mental health or safety of members of the
University community.
As a student
at the University you are expected adhere to Board of
Regents Policy: Student Conduct Code. To review the Student Conduct
Code, please see: regents.umn.edu/sites/default/files/policies/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf.
Note that the
conduct code specifically addresses disruptive classroom conduct, which means
"engaging in behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either
the instructor's ability to teach or student learning. The classroom extends to
any setting where a student is engaged in work toward academic credit or
satisfaction of program-based requirements or related activities."
Using personal
electronic devices in the classroom setting can hinder instruction and
learning, not only for the student using the device but also for other students
in the class. To this end, the University establishes the right of each faculty
member to determine if and how personal electronic devices are allowed to be
used in the classroom. For complete information, please reference: policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/STUDENTRESP.html.
You are
expected to do your own academic work and cite sources as necessary. Failing to
do so is scholastic dishonesty. Scholastic dishonesty means plagiarizing;
cheating on assignments or examinations; engaging in unauthorized collaboration
on academic work; taking, acquiring, or using test materials without faculty
permission; submitting false or incomplete records of academic achievement;
acting alone or in cooperation with another to falsify records or to obtain
dishonestly grades, honors, awards, or professional endorsement; altering,
forging, or misusing a University academic record; or fabricating or falsifying
data, research procedures, or data analysis. (Student Conduct Code: regents.umn.edu/sites/default/files/policies/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf) If it is determined that a student has
cheated, he or she may be given an "F" or an "N" for the
course, and may face additional sanctions from the University. For additional
information, please see: policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/INSTRUCTORRESP.html.
The Office for
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity has compiled a useful list of suggestions
for avoiding scholastic dishonesty: www1.umn.edu/oscai/integrity/student/index.html. If you have questions, please clarify
with your instructor for the course. Your instructor can respond to your
specific questions regarding what would constitute scholastic dishonesty in the
context of a particular class-e.g., whether collaboration on assignments is
permitted, requirements and methods for citing sources, if electronic aids are
permitted or prohibited during an exam.
Students will
not be penalized for absence during the semester due to unavoidable or
legitimate circumstances. Such circumstances include verified illness,
participation in intercollegiate athletic events, subpoenas, jury duty,
military service, bereavement, and religious observances. Such circumstances do
not include voting in local, state, or national elections. For complete
information, please see: policy.umn.edu/education/makeupwork.
Taking notes
is a means of recording information but more importantly of personally
absorbing and integrating the educational experience. However, broadly
disseminating class notes beyond the classroom community or accepting
compensation for taking and distributing classroom notes undermines instructor
interests in their intellectual work product while not substantially furthering
instructor and student interests in effective learning. Such actions violate
shared norms and standards of the academic community. For additional
information, please see: policy.umn.edu/education/studentresp.
The University
utilizes plus and minus grading on a 4.000 cumulative grade point scale in
accordance with the following:
|
A |
4.000 -
Represents achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to
meet course requirements |
|
A- |
3.667 |
|
B+ |
3.333 |
|
B |
3.000 -
Represents achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to
meet course requirements |
|
B- |
2.667 |
|
C+ |
2.333 |
|
C |
2.000 -
Represents achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect |
|
C- |
1.667 |
|
D+ |
1.333 |
|
D |
1.000 -
Represents achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet
fully the course requirements |
|
S |
Represents
achievement that is satisfactory, which is equivalent to a C- or better. |
For additional
information, please refer to: policy.umn.edu/education/gradingtranscripts..
"Sexual
harassment" means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors,
and/or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Such conduct has
the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or
academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working
or academic environment in any University activity or program. Such behavior is
not acceptable in the University setting. For additional information, please
consult Board of Regents Policy: regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/policies/SexHarassment.pdf
The University
will provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs and facilities,
without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age,
marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual
orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For more information,
please consult Board of Regents Policy: regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/policies/Equity_Diversity_EO_AA.pdf.
The University
of Minnesota is committed to providing equitable access to learning
opportunities for all students. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) is the
campus office that collaborates with students who have disabilities to provide
and/or arrange reasonable accommodations.
If you have,
or think you may have, a disability (e.g., mental health, attentional,
learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical), please contact the DRC at
612-626-1333 to arrange a confidential discussion regarding equitable access
and reasonable accommodations.
If you are
registered with the DRC and have a current letter requesting reasonable
accommodations, please contact your instructor as early in the semester as
possible to discuss how the accommodations will be applied in the course.
For more
information, please see the DRC website, diversity.umn.edu/disability/.
As a student
you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety,
alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of
motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to
diminished academic performance and may reduce your ability to participate in
daily activities. University of Minnesota services are available to assist you.
You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services
available on campus via the Student Mental Health Website: www.mentalhealth.umn.edu.
Academic
freedom is a cornerstone of the University. Within the scope and content of the
course as defined by the instructor, it includes the freedom to discuss
relevant matters in the classroom. Along with this freedom comes
responsibility. Students are encouraged to develop the capacity for critical
judgment and to engage in a sustained and independent search for truth.
Students are free to take reasoned exception to the views offered in any course
of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion, but they are
responsible for learning the content of any course of study for which they are enrolled.*
Reports of
concerns about academic freedom are taken seriously, and there are individuals
and offices available for help. Contact the instructor, the Department Chair,
your adviser, the associate dean of the college, or the Vice Provost for
Faculty and Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost. [Customize with
names and contact information as appropriate for the course/college/campus.]
* Language
adapted from the American Association of University Professors "Joint
Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students".
University Policies
|
1. Student Conduct
Code |
regents.umn.edu/sites/default/files/policies/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf |
|
2. Use of Personal
Electronic Devices in the Classroom |
policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/STUDENTRESP.html |
|
3. Scholastic
Dishonesty |
Student Conduct Code (pdf) regents.umn.edu/sites/default/files/policies/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf Instructor and Unit Responsibilities Policy policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/INSTRUCTORRESP.html Avoiding Scholastic Dishonesty |
|
4. Makeup Work for
Legitimate Absences |
|
|
5. Appropriate
Student Use of Class Notes & Course Materials |
|
|
6. Grading and
Transcripts |
|
|
7. Sexual Harassment |
http://regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/policies/SexHarassment.pdf |
|
8. Equity, Diversity,
Equal Opportunity, and Affirmative Action |
regents.umn.edu/sites/regents.umn.edu/files/policies/Equity_Diversity_EO_AA.pdf |
|
9. Disability
Accommodations |
|
|
10. Mental Health & Stress
Management |
|
|
11. Academic Freedom |
policy.umn.edu/Policies/Education/Education/SYLLABUSREQUIREMENTS_APPA.html |