Russian 3450, Fall 2013

Tulane University
TTh, 2:00-3:15
Newcomb 21

Prof. Kathryn Schild

kschild@tulane.edu
office: Newcomb 305C
hours: M 12-1, Th 3:30-4:30, or by appt.

Welcome to some of the greatest novels in Russian and world literature: Crime and Punishment, Anna
Karenina, and Brothers Karamazov. These works explore the price of happiness and the wages of sin.
We will examine the texts and their contexts carefully to better understand Tolstoys and Dostoevskys
moral universes. By the end of the semester, you will be able to explain how Tolstoy and Dostoevsky
came to write these novels, what they contain, why they continue to have such a wide readership, and
how you personally relate to the stories and moral questions they raise.

objectives and outcomes

This course will:
discuss Tolstoys and Dostoevskys works aesthetically, philosophically, and historically;
th
introduce students to major interpretive frameworks for reading Russian literature, including 19
th
and 20 century Russian criticism;
familiarize students with the works cultural and historical milieu;
develop critical-thinking frameworks for reading and analyzing large novels; and
foster meaningful, textually-supported, individual responses to issues raised in these novels.
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
explain Tolstoys and Dostoevskys backgrounds, literary careers, and significance to Russian and
world literature (Assessed via final exam, myTulane assignments, and class discussion);
identify stylistic and thematic markers of Tolstoys and Dostoevskys writing (Assessed via final
exam and class discussion);
identify characters, scenes, plots, symbols, and literary allusions in each work assigned, and
explain their relevance to the work as a whole (Assessed via reading quizzes, papers, final exam
and class discussion);
interpret the culturally specific material within each of the works and connect it to their
understanding of the work as a whole (Assessed via myTulane assignments, papers, final exam,
and class discussions);
analyze each of the works through close reading, a structuralist approach, and Bakhtinian concepts
such as chronotope and dialogue (Assessed via papers and class discussions);
discuss the metacognitive strategies they use to read and analyze large texts (Assessed via class
discussions. This is a new goal for RUSS 3450.);
write cogent analytical essays about the major novels (Assessed via papers and final exam);
conduct independent research on topics in Russian history and culture (Assessed via myTulane
assignments); and
articulate their own opinions and relationship to these works (Assessed via class discussions).

reading
All readings are in English translation and require no previous knowledge of
Russian literature. Since this is a discussion course, you must complete the
reading on time and come to class prepared to share your thoughts and respond
to those of your fellow students. These are big novels and the reading load is
heavy, so please budget your time carefully. Take notes as you read and mark
passages that you want to discuss further. To encourage you to stay on track,
there will be regular reading quizzes.
The following books are required reading for this class. Because we refer to
specific pages, you need the correct edition to participate. All of the bookFyodor Mikhailovich
Dostoevsky
length works are translated by Richard Pevear and Larisa Volokhonsky.
Fyodor Dostoevsky:
Brothers Karamazov. NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1990. (ISBN 9780374528379)
Crime and Punishment. NY: Vintage Classics, 1993. (ISBN 9780679734505)
Notes from Underground. NY: Vintage Classics, 1993. (ISBN 9780679734529)
Leo Tolstoy: Anna Karenina. NY: Penguin Books, 2000. (ISBN 9780143035008)
OPTIONAL: Great Short Works of Leo Tolstoy. Translated by Louise and Aylmer Maude,
introduction by John Bayley. NY: Harper Perennial, 1967. Reprint 2004. (ISBN
9780060586973)
Since students process reading material differently on screens and on paper, I require the printed
version of these books. I am willing to allow electronic versions for students with visual processing
issues, but please discuss your situation with me first. Similarly, if buying the books represents a
financial hardship for you, please come to office hours to discuss other options for obtaining the
materials. Correct translations will be on reserve at the Howard-Tilton library for on-campus use. In
addition to these books, I will post some shorter Tolstoy works and secondary materials to the class
website on myTulane.

writing
Papers allow you to show what you have learned, further develop your ideas, and practice
communicating them effectively. This class will have two short papers (3-4 pages) due during the
semester, one each on Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. Smaller myTulane assignments will present outside
research on Russian culture, argue for interpretations of selected passages, and connect our reading to
ongoing moral and literary debates. Russian majors/minors who have completed 2030 will have some
short assignments that use original texts. The final exam will have two parts: first, identify and briefly
explain characters, events, and quotes from the semesters reading; second, write an open-book essay
on Brothers Karamazov, with a choice of topics.
This course includes an optional writing intensive credit for students who have completed the general
core writing requirement. If you are interested in the writing intensive, please speak to me in office
hours. The writing intensive group will expand one of the two paper assignments into a 10-page paper
with two full drafts, complete some short assignments based on their writing for other classes, and
participate in additional class meetings. We will schedule those meetings once you have firm schedules
for the semester.
Your writing will be graded for ideas, use of source material, and style. Papers are due both by
electronic submission on myTulane and on paper, at the beginning of class. Electronic submissions
should be in .doc or .pdf format and must be submitted through the class website, not by email. All
papers should be typed in 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, with 1 margins. Late papers
2

will be graded down one letter grade per day, starting at the end of class, unless I have approved an
extension in advance.
You are responsible for knowing and following the Tulane Code of Academic Conduct. You must turn
in original work reflecting your understanding of the material. Please do additional research on
questions of interest, but be sure to cite all of your references. If you have any questions, ask before
turning in the paper and attach a copy of your source material with the relevant section highlighted.
This course has a zero-tolerance approach to academic dishonesty. Failure to cite sources will earn a
zero on the assignment and may lead to a failing grade for the course, so when in doubt, cite!
Academic dishonesty will result in Honor Board review.

discussing
I expect you to come to class prepared to discuss the assigned reading, listen thoughtfully, and discuss
others ideas respectfully. Class participation, and thus attendance, is essential to your success in this
course. Unexcused absences will affect the final grade. I am not authorized to excuse absences that
extend calendar holidays. If you are ill or have special circumstances, it is your responsibility to
inform me in a timely manner. I want you to complete the course successfully and will try to help you
if I can, but you have to let me know! Its better to come unprepared than to skip, but students learn by
interacting with each other, so your preparation helps the whole class. If you arent prepared, talk to
me before class starts so that I dont put you on the spot. Please come to class on time. Tardiness is
disruptive and disrespects both me and your fellow students. Frequent lateness equals an unexcused
absence.
My office hours are Monday, 12:00-1:00, and Thursday, 3:30-4:30. Book a timeslot (or two, for paper
revisions) at: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48ACAA2AABF58-office. I am frequently
available for appointments outside those hours and will be experimenting with evening online office
hours this semester. Email me with some open time windows to set up an appointment. Please come
by to talk about your reactions to the reading, get advice on papers, and learn more about Russian
literature in general. If you are uncomfortable sharing your thoughts in a large group, my office hours
will help you maintain full participation points. Please follow www.facebook.com/TulaneRussian for
additional cultural materials.

grading
Your grade will be calculated as follows:
participation (attendance, self-assessed), 20%.
short assignments (myTulane, in-class writing & quizzes, outlines), 20%.
meta assignments (reading journal, self-assessments), 10%.
papers, 25% (first 10%, second 15%).
final exam, 25% (15% part 1, 10% part 2).
Any student requiring disability-related accommodations should see me during
office hours in the first two weeks of class to discuss those accommodations,
emergency medical information, or other special arrangements to allow you to
participate fully in this class. Accommodation requests should be approved by
the Educational Resource Center. All students are welcome in the Russian
program.

Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy

This schedule is subject to revision during the semester.

DATE
1

6
7
8
9

12
13

in class: Tolstoy, God Sees the Truth, But Waits

Th 8/29

Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground, pp. 3-41

survey/reading assessment 1

Tu 9/3

Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground, pp. 42-130

email assignment

Th 9/5

Crime and Punishment, I, pp. 3-86

Sept. 6 deadline to add class

myTulane questions
reading practice assignment*
*start this before you do the
assigned reading

Tu 9/10

Crime and Punishment, II, pp. 89-193

Th 9/12

Crime and Punishment, III & IV:1-3, pp. 195-314

Tu 9/17

Crime and Punishment, IV:4-6 & V, pp. 314-436

myTulane research post

Th 9/19

Crime and Punishment, VI:1-6, pp. 439-511

writing assessment 1

Tu 9/24

Crime and Punishment, VI:7-8 & Epilogue, pp. 511-551

Dostoevsky paper outline

Th 9/26

Tolstoy, Anna Karenina, I, pp. 1-115

C&P reading journal
Sept. 27 deadline to drop or audit class

Tu 10/1

Anna Karenina, II & III:1-12, pp. 117-278

Th 10/3

Anna Karenina, III:13-32, pp. 278-352

Tu 10/8
Th 10/10

Anna Karenina, IV & V:1-20, pp. 353-505

Fall Break no class

Tu 10/15

Anna Karenina, V:21-33 & VI:1-15, pp. 505-605

reading assessment 2

Th 10/17

Anna Karenina, VI:16-32 & VII:1-12, pp. 605-706

myTulane research post

Tu 10/22

Anna Karenina, VII:13-31 & VIII, pp.706-817

AK reading journal

Th 10/24

Dostoevsky, Brothers Karamazov, Books 1 & 2, pp. 3-91 Anna Karenina paper topic
Oct. 28 deadline to change grading option, drop with record

Dostoevsky paper

Brothers Karamazov, Books 3 & 4, pp. 92-212

myTulane discussion post

Th 10/31

Brothers Karamazov, Book 5, pp. 213-282

writing assessment 2

Tu 11/5

Brothers Karamazov, Book 6, pp. 283-324

Anna Karenina paper

Th 11/7

Brothers Karamazov, Books 7 & 8, pp. 327-445

Tu 11/12

Brothers Karamazov, Books 9 & 10, pp. 445-563

Th 11/14

Brothers Karamazov, Book 11, pp. 563-656

Tu 11/19

Brothers Karamazov, Book 12 & Epilogue, pp. 656-777

myTulane discussion post

Th 11/21

Tolstoy & Dostoevsky today

BK reading journal

14 Tu 11/26
15

ASSIGNMENTS

Tu 8/27

10 Tu 10/29

11

READING

myTulane questions

Th 11/28

Tolstoy, Kreutzer Sonata

Thanksgiving no class

Tu 12/3

Tolstoy, Father Sergius

myTulane review post

Th 12/5

review

course evaluation due!

final exam: Monday, December 16, 1:00-4:00

WRITING INTENSIVE
RUSS 3880-01, F 2013
Prof. Kathryn Schild

objectives and outcomes

This course will:
complement RUSS 3450 with additional analysis and writing opportunities;
discuss genres and expectations for a variety of college writing assignments;
introduce strategies to improve writing across disciplines; and
provide opportunities for focused writing, editing, rewriting, and critical discussions about writing.
By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
explain stylistic and content expectations for the academic fields in which they specialize (Assessed via
short assignments and class discussion);
identify and edit weaknesses at the syntactic, analytic, and structural levels of a paper (Assessed via short
assignments, papers, and rewrites);
conduct independent research on Russian literary analysis and culture, and connect their own arguments to
these broader fields of scholarship (Assessed via short assignments and papers); and
write cogent analytical essays about the major novels (Assessed via papers).

details

Required text: Michael Harvey, Nuts and Bolts of College Writing. (ISBN 9780872205734)
Your grade will be calculated as follows: participation, 20%; short assignments, 30%; large paper, 40%
(research & outline 10%, first draft 10%, final draft 20%).

schedule (see RUSS 3450 syllabus for more detail on writing assignments, including topics)
CLASS
1
2

F 9/27
M 9/30,
2-2:50

TOPIC

AssignmentS

organizational meeting
academic genres, expectations

TH 10/3

M 10/7

refining theses & arguments

M 10/14

sentence & paragraph level editing

M 10/21

outlining

M 10/28

research & using secondary sources

M 11/4

academic integrity

TU 11/5

list of writing assignments for the semester (due M), style

analyses for 2 different types (due TH)
C&P paper due
5 new theses for the C&P paper 1 on the same topic (M),
outlines for 2 of them (TH)
read N&B, chapters 1, 3.1, 3.3, & 5 (M)
analyze & rewrite 2 paragraphs of C&P paper (TH)
outline an academic article or chapter for another course
(TH)
AK paper outline (M), annotated bibliography with 3
sources (TH)
read N&B, chapters 5-6; write a paragraph for your AK
paper incorporating one of your sources (M)

M 11/12

paper structures, transitions

M 11/18

editing ones own work

AK paper (8-10 pages) due

read N&B, chapters 7-8, outline your completed AK paper
(M), write a structural analysis of your AK paper (TH)
for AK paper, either a) write three alternative conclusions or
b) analyze how you use your sources (M)

10 M 11/25

writing outside academia

resume and sample cover letter or internship query

11 M 12/2

individual appointments for rewrites

summarize the changes you plan for the rewrite (M)

Final Anna Karenina paper due by 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 12