This course in Russian Literature is designed to help students discover and develop the ability to analyze literary texts in the context cultural environment. You will see different methods of creating character's portraits, you will learn about the informative structure of fiction discourse typical of Russian writer Anton P. Chekhov, who is considered to be the founder of a new emotive style of short stories writing. This work will definitely help you to compare moral standards and values by which fictional characters evaluate their own and one another's lives, and you will compare them with your own understanding of the world. The most important thing is that while reading and analyzing you will learn some facts about the history and traditions of Russia at the end of the 19th century, you will see the lifestyle through the portraits of the characters. So we will learn the art of diving deeply into the imaginary world created by the author, and if you develop the ability to picture the characters and feel affection or hatred to some characters you'll enjoy it. Isn't it a wonder that, when we read genius writing, we might see some images or feel some emotions, and even shed tears over just small black signs called letters?
The aim of our class is to learn how an attentive and accurate reading of works by famous writers can help us to realize some very important details of culture or history. But if you are very attentive this analysis can help you to make another discovery - the analysis of the plot and the author's method to portray his characters can bring you directly to the author's personality. It would be great if in your oral presentations and written essays you will give the answers to the following questions:
Which technique does the author choose to describe his character? Does the author demonstrate much interest towards his character? Does he love or at least feel sympathy for them? Is his attitude ironical or is it just a kind smile? How does he understand the idea of personal freedom? Does he criticize the lifestyle of his contemporaries?
The above explanations indicate that much of our work involves class participation and presentations. The activities of a particular class period cannot be duplicated. It's important, therefore, that you must attend class regularly, prepared to participate in group discussions and personal presentations. Unexcused absences affect your grade according to the following scheme: 2-3 absences = lowered one grade; 4 absences = lowered two grades; 5 absences = lowered three grades; 6 absences and more = failing grade.
Grading for the course is as follows:
essays - 60% (see explanations below);
attendance and participation - 15%;
presentations - 25%.
I would recommend you to keep pages on which you record your commentaries to the stories we've read, it would serve as prompts for your presentations in which you will try to summarize and generalize our ideas about the author's technique, besides it will help to write a proper and full essay on the topics I will give. These compositions together with your other class activities will be your 3 credits. The compositions should demonstrate your ability to analyze the text: to define the type of the context and explain it's function in the development of the plot, it's aesthetic value, analyze the language used by the author to create the images, explain the author's position in the story, evaluate plot and moral ideas. At the exams you are supposed to speak on the topics which you will get on Dec., 2.
In checking your essays I will use the following grading pyramid :
A - Your essay gives imaginative treatment to a significant and striking central idea. The outline of the essay demonstrates the strategy of persuasion. Generalizations are carefully supported by examples from the contexts. Details show originality and freshness of focus. Sentences demonstrate variety of patterns and are rhetorically affective. The style is authentic and demonstrates the individual thoughts of the author.
B - The central idea of the essay is clearly defined and interesting. The organization of the essay demonstrates careful planning. Details are specific and sharp aimed to prove the points of the essay. Sentences show variety of patterns.
C - The essay has a clear central thesis. There is a proper introduction, but the essay lacks examples from the context, there is no clearly cut conclusion.
We may discuss your essays in draft stages, however, the final version should be handed in printed. Late and incomplete work is not accepted. If you wish to improve your written essay's grade you may try to improve it. Inform me about it. I am flexible if you demonstrate the desire to work. Class time is for your questions and practice in the analysis. In order to get always A it is necessary to prepare your opinions and arguments in advance, so as you can sound logical and persuasive.