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The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures LANGUAGE PLACEMENT EXAMS Students who have learned Russian or other Slavic languages elsewhere and those returning from study abroad will need to take a placement test at the beginning of the semester. Please review language placement criteria from the selections below. ~ Students starting with 1st or 2nd year Russian should consult with Lisa Little (lclittle@berkeley.edu, or during her office hours), Russian Language Coordinator, about placement in the lower-division language courses (Slavic 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6A-B). Whenever possible students should contact Ms. Little far in advance of the first week of classes for screening and placement. ~ Students needing placement screening for third-year Russian (Slavic 103A-B, etc.) or testing for the Letters and Science foreign language requirement for Russian should consult with Dr. Arkady Alexeev (arkalexeev@yahoo.com, or during his office hours). ~ Heritage speakers of Russian considering a major or minor track requiring Russian must make an appointment with the Undergraduate Staff or Major Adviser to obtain information specific to their individual language requirements and to be referred for the proficiency/placement exam. ~ Students of East European or Eurasian languages should consult with the appropriate Language Coordinator for proficiency testing and placement. See coordinators list below. Czech and Polish: Bulgarian and BCS (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian): Eurasian Languages: ~ Transfer students and those enrolling in study abroad programs should consult with the Major Adviser regarding course equivalents accepted by the Department. Note: The language supervisors and teaching staff make the final determination regarding language level placement in language courses. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NATIVE OR HERITAGE SPEAKERS ENROLLING IN UPPER-DIVISION POLISH, CZECH, BCS, OR BULGARIAN LANGUAGE COURSES Enrollment in Slavic 115AB, 116AB, 117AB, 118AB
is limited to non-native Quick Reference to Courses RUSSIAN: EAST EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN STUDIES: Course DescriptionsSlavic 1 & 2 (5 units each) IF YOU SPEAK MOSTLY RUSSIAN AT HOME WITH YOUR PARENTS OR GRANDPARENTS (even if you cannot read and write in Russian and even if you make some mistakes in your spoken Russian or occasionally switch to English), YOU SHOULD ENROLL IN SLAVIC 6A NEXT FALL. This course was created specifically to fit the needs of “heritage” speakers, which are quite different from those of non-heritage second-language learners. (If you were born in Russia or one of the former Soviet republics and went to school there or if you have been speaking and reading Russian regularly in this country, you may want to consider Slavic 105A or B or 190.) Elementary Russian Comprehensive program for the study of Russian language and culture. No knowledge of Russian is presumed for Slavic 1. Focus on proficiency in all four skills (“language in context” /listening, reading, speaking, writing/) and the fundamentals (“building blocks” /grammar and vocabulary/). Classes conducted primarily in Russian. By the end of Slavic 2, students will have most of the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural knowledge needed to begin functioning in Russian. Students who have completed this program have placed into the fourth and fifth semesters at Middlebury (a prestigious summer language immersion program). Grades based on participation, completion of homework assignments, oral tests, written compositions, chapter tests, and a final (a computerized standardized test that is weighted less than a chapter test and may be taken anytime during the last two weeks up to the scheduled final time). Required Texts: (Available Through ASUC's Cal Textbooks) Note: IF YOU BUY THE TEXTBOOK ON-LINE, please make sure you get the SECOND EDITION. (McClellan should be listed as one of the authors.) In addition, you must buy the WORKBOOK/LAB MANUAL, which will be sold shrink-wrapped with the textbook at a slight discount at Cal Textbooks in the ASUC. The bookstore package will also include the CD that goes with the textbook, which is important when you are learning the alphabet, but not as essential as the other two parts. Slavic 1: Slavic 2: Optional: Students who want to get a head start can begin learning the Russian alphabet: If you have already purchased Nachalo, you can start learning the printed and cursive letters (and their sounds) in the textbook and workbook. If you haven't, or want more practice, you can go to the following sites and see which ones work best for you: http://masterrussian.com/blalphabet.shtml Alphabet in print and cursive. Pronunciation of all the letters of the Russian alphabet – scroll to bottom if you want to hear all the letters read quickly all at once instead of one by one. (You might also want to click on the “live cams” button – or any of the others - on the left for fun.) http://www.humnet.ucla.edu/russian/quickstart.html Simple Russian words with pictures and sound. http://community.middlebury.edu/~beyer/RT/pages/signs/signs.shtml Alphabet in print + Russian signs for practice. Also: http://community.middlebury.edu/~beyer/publications/rabc/RABC.shtml individual words pronounced. http://www.alphadictionary.com/rusgrammar/index.html The Cyrillic alphabet (lots of cognates to practice the alphabet) and the rules of pronunciation [also lots of information about grammar at this site]. http://langintro.com/rintro/first.htm “A different game”: practice with sound and words. http://www.auburn.edu/~mitrege/RWT/welcome.html Need to have Nachalo textbook for this one. Extra practice. Prerequisites: Slavic 1 has no prerequisites as it assumes no previous knowledge of Russian. SLAVIC 1 IS THE PREREQUISITE FOR SLAVIC 2. If you have not taken the previous semester here, SCREENING AND PLACEMENT IS MANDATORY with our department’s Russian Language Coordinator to determine the best placement for you. Prospective students must contact Lisa Little, our department’s Russian Language Coordinator, at: lclittle@berkeley.edu Slavic 3 & 4 (5 units each) IF YOU SPEAK MOSTLY RUSSIAN AT HOME WITH YOUR PARENTS OR GRANDPARENTS (even if you cannot read and write in Russian and even if you make some mistakes in your spoken Russian or occasionally switch to English), YOU SHOULD ENROLL IN SLAVIC 6A NEXT FALL. This course was created specifically to fit the needs of “heritage” speakers, which are quite different from those of non-heritage second-language learners. (If you were born in Russia or one of the former Soviet republics and went to school there or if you have been speaking and reading Russian regularly in this country, you may want to consider Slavic 105A or B or 180 -- or 190 in the spring.) Intermediate Russian L&S Breadth: Both Slavic 3 and 4 Count as International Breadth Comprehensive program for the study of Russian language and culture. Focus on proficiency in all four skills ("language in context" /listening, reading, speaking, writing/) and the fundamentals ("building blocks" /grammar and vocabulary/).Classes conducted in Russian. By the end of Slavic 4, students will have developed considerable control of the grammar, a fairly extensive vocabulary, and much of the functional and cultural knowledge needed to communicate effectively in Russian. Students who have completed this program have had great success in various summer programs in the U.S. and Russia and the Moscow EAP Advanced Program. Grades based on participation, completion of homework assignments, oral interviews, written compositions, chapter tests, and a final (a computerized standardized test that is weighted less than a chapter test and may be taken anytime during the last two weeks up to the scheduled final time). Required Texts: (Available Through ASUC's Cal Textbooks) Slavic 3 & 4: Note: IF YOU BUT THE TEXTBOOK ON-LINE, please make sure you get the SECOND EDITION. (Kudyma should be listed as one of the authors.) In addition, you must get the WORKBOOK/LAB MANUAL , which will be sold shrink-wrapped with the textbook at a slight discount at Cal Textbooks in the ASUC. Kagan, Miller, & Kudyma, V Puti: Russian Grammar in Context, Second Edition and workbook/lab manual. Recommended: Prerequisites: SLAVIC 2 IS THE PREREQUISITE FOR SLAVIC 3; SLAVIC 3 IS THE PREREQUISITE FOR SLAVIC 4. If you have not taken the previous semester here, SCREENING AND PLACEMENT IS MANDATORY with our department’s Russian Language Coordinator to determine the best placement for you. Prospective students must contact Lisa Little, our department’s Russian Language Coordinator, at: lclittle@berkeley.edu Slavic R5A, Section 1 (4 units)
Reading
and Composition Course Although Frank Sinatra in his hit 1955 song may croon that, “Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage,” in literature we often find that this is not the case, for in novels, short stories and plays, the institution of marriage generally exists only to be tested by a loss of love, infidelity and deceit. In this course, we will explore the theme of adultery and its literary evolution, primarily in nineteenth-century Russia, but also in nineteenth- and twentieth-century America, England, Germany and Japan. One aim of our reading will be to examine how adultery is narrated: Through whose eyes do we see the affair? How are the details of an affair presented? Is the narrator an objective, reliable observer or a sympathetic manipulator of events? Our main goal, however, will be to investigate and write on the treatment of adultery in different time periods and cultures, paying close attention to its relationship to moral, social and religious concerns. This course satisfies the first half or the “A” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement. Texts (partial list): Prerequisite: Successful completion of the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement. Slavic R5A, Section 2 (4 units) Reading
and Composition Course This course will examine the creation of dual identities through the figures of the actor and the impostor in both prose and dramatic texts, mainly from the Russian tradition, but with several forays into American literature and film. We will explore the effects of role-playing on these narratives and focus on the following questions: What is the place of the actor and the world of theatre within a prose text? In what manner does the figure of the actor, identified as such, serve as a commentary upon a dramatic text or performance? What are the dramatic possibilities created by the explicit identification of actors as actors? How does the employment of the figure of the impostor affect characterization and interactions between characters? How does it affect the reader’s response to the text? In this regard we will trace the impulse to detection and the distinctions between the knowledge that characters have about each other and the knowledge that readers have about characters. We will read and learn to write about novels, short stories, and plays, while paying particular attention to the relationship between the character, the author, and the reader or spectator. This course satisfies the first half or the “A” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement. Texts: Prerequisite: Successful completion of the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement. Slavic R5B, Section 1 (4 units) Reading
and Composition Course Political events in 20th century Europe affected so many people, to such a great extent, that writers are still trying to express and interpret them through literature, poetry, and film. Although dictatorial tyranny, racial and religious prejudice, and interethnic strife are in no way unique to the 20th century, modern technological developments amplified the consequences of political violence by an unprecedented magnitude, culminating in events such as the Holocaust, Stalin’s purges and labor camps, and the relatively recent ethnic cleansing in the former Yugoslavia. These horrors have inspired many works of literature, much of it written by survivors or their relatives. In this course we will read works in many different styles dealing with these events in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, exploring the function of literature in the aftermath of atrocity and the role of literature in rebuilding post-conflict societies. We will discuss all works extensively in class, and will focus on critical reading and analysis. Students will write a minimum of 32 pages of expository prose during the semester. The written assignments will include a number of short responses, as well as three papers of varying lengths, two of which will undergo a process of revision. The third paper will be a research paper, developed in a multi-stage process in the final weeks of the course. This course satisfies the second half or the “B” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement. Texts: Prerequisite: Successful completion of the “A” portion of the Reading & Composition requirement or its equivalent. Slavic R5B, Section 2 (4 units) Reading
and Composition Course Marxist theorist Guy Debord coined the term ‘psychogeography’ in 1955 to describe his revolutionary movement to liberate the city from the culture of capitalism. In this ‘B’ level Reading and Composition course, we will open wide the field of this term to consider the broader relationship of the human psyche to urban geographies. How do literary production and the unique environment of the city bear on one another? We will not only consider formal problems of textual production, but will also explore chance crossings, multi-cultural environments, poverty, dystopia, utopia, sensory overload, and other phenomena associated with the city. Theoretical readings about the city will accompany our literary readings. This course satisfies the second half or the “B” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement. Texts: Prerequisite: Successful completion of the "A" portion of the Reading and Composition requirement or its equivalent. Slavic R5B, Section 3 (4 units) Reading
and Composition Course The end of the European nineteenth century, known as the fin de siècle, was met with a sense of impending doom. Humankind’s faith in civilization, progress, and moral righteousness was overtaken by uncertainty and pessimism. The tenets of nineteenth-century culture, society, and aesthetics underwent a drastic revaluation. The art and literature of the period were tinged with the notion of decline and decadence since, to many, the world seemed to be coming to an end. In this course we will explore works of literature produced in the last decade of the nineteenth century and the first decade of the twentieth century on both extremes of Europe - Russia and England. These works partake in the cultural atmosphere of the fin de siècle through the pervading parallel themes of exhausted bloodlines and declining civilizations. In reading them we will examine how they at once continue established literary traditions and introduce innovations particular to the period. We will employ these texts to develop a more subtle understanding of the connection between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and, in so doing, the notion of modernism in Russia and Western Europe. We will also focus on writing about this evocative period in a scholarly and informed manner. The overarching goal of this course is to recreate a significant historical and cultural moment in the development of modernity. This course satisfies the second half or the “B” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement. Texts: Film List: Prerequisite: Successful completion of the “A” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement or its equivalent. Slavic R5B, Section 4 (4 units) Reading
and Composition Course What are “plots,” and why do we read them? Many scholars of narrative have argued that people read plots in order to make sense of human mortality and the passage of time. In his classic study, Reading for the Plot (1984), Peter Brooks suggests that desire for the meaning of life and death underlies a reader’s desire to reach the (presumably) meaningful end of a plot. This class will both rely on and complicate Brooks’ theory. Rather than moving linearly from a beginning to some obviously meaningful end, most of the plots we will read move cyclically, are continuously interrupted, or lack a clear or satisfactory ending. If getting to the end of these plots is either impossible or unsatisfying, what is it that makes them so compelling? Moreover, if getting to the end is the goal of reading, why do people reread plots whose endings they already know? In addition to “reading for the plot,” don’t people ever read for style, tone, or gratuitous detail? Don’t readers sometimes prefer nonsense to sense? Questions such as these will frame our discussions. The purpose of this course is to teach students how to write successful analytical essays. The class discussions will focus on close analysis of the readings in order to help students develop ideas and theses for their papers. Participation in class discussions will be required of all students. The course will emphasize stylistic and structural as well as analytic aspects of writing. Students will complete three progressively longer essays of 2-3, 4-5, and 8-10 pages. The second and third essays will undergo substantial revision and peer editing, and the third will require research outside of class. This course satisfies the second half or the “B” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement. Texts: The following texts will be included in
the course reader: Prerequisite: Successful completion of the “A” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement or its equivalent. Slavic R5B, Section 5 (4 units) Reading
and Composition Course This course will focus on the literary expression of perhaps the grandest of all human endeavors: love. We will perform close readings of these texts, providing a framework for linguistic and thematic analysis and fruitful discussion. The class combines texts from Russian, British, and Latin American literatures. Among the specific issues this course will address are the following: marriage and the family, sexuality and procreation, death, religion, and the possibility of true love. The purpose of this course is to teach students how to do close readings of texts and compose cogent analytical essays. Class discussions and assignments will be directed towards building and refining the skills necessary to perform these two tasks, emphasizing the stylistic aspects of writing. Engagement in class discussion and intense writing is required for all students. This course satisfies the second half or the “B” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement. Texts: Prerequisite: Successful completion of the “A” portion of the Reading and Composition requirement or its equivalent. Slavic 25B (5 units) Introductory Polish The 25B course, preceded by the fall 25A course, introduces the modern standard Polish language, and is taught in Polish with explanations in English if necessary. The course is designed for students who have completed the introductory 25A fall course, or students with equivalent skills in understanding and using Polish language. Class attendance as well as active participation in exercises and conversations is expected. Ability to work in team is a desired and especially valued skill. All assignments shall be completed on time. All missed assignments and exams have to be made up for. Your final grade will be based on your accumulation of points gained through attendance, completion of homework assignments, midterm exams and the final exam. In addition your final grade will be impacted by your active participation and ability to cooperate with fellow students. Texts: Set of 2 books (the same as for the course 25A)
“HURRA!!! POLISH 1” with CDs (student’s
book + workbook): Prerequisite: Slavic 25A or the permission of the instructor. Slavic 26B (5 units) Introductory Czech ALTHOUGH COURSE SEQUENCE BEGINS IN
FALL, MOTIVATED BEGINNING STUDENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED TO PROCEED AT
AN ACCELERATED PACE. The textbook covers a broad range of communicative situations, the fundamentals of Czech grammar, and basic vocabulary. The course also provides an introduction to Czech culture through films, music, and short readings in Czech including excerpts from Czech poetry and prose, history, social studies, and current events. Daily homework, midterm, final exam. Required Texts: Prerequisite: Slavic 26A or equivalent. Slavic 27B (5 units) Introductory Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian COURSE SEQUENCE BEGINS IN THE FALL. Required Text: Prerequisite: Slavic 27A or equivalent. Slavic 46 (3 units) 20th-Century Russian Literature L&S Breadth: Arts & Literature This course will provide an overview of the history of Russian literature throughout the twentieth century. We will follow the rise and fall of the century’s numerous dominant cultural models (modernism, early Soviet and émigré life, Stalinism, post-Stalinism, unofficial art and literature, glasnost’, and post-communism). Among the topics we will consider are the complex interaction of politics and aesthetics, the cultural status of Russian writers, the position of the intellectual, and the role of literature in the context of this era’s wildly divergent cultural and historical situation. Readings will consist of a representative variety of prose and poetry spanning the entire century. Texts: Prerequisites: None. Lectures and readings in English. Slavic 50 (3 units) Introduction to Russian/East European/Eurasian Cultures: "Introduction to Slavic Peoples and Cultures" L&S Breadth: International Studies OR Social and Behavioral Sciences OR Arts & Literature Slavic peoples—Russians, Czechs, Poles, Serbs, Croats—have always played a central role in the history of Eastern Europe. In Slavic 50 we examine how the various Slavic peoples have developed, maintained, and represented their identities in the face of ideological and political forces. We proceed by examining selected moments in history, from the emergence of Slavic identity to the contemporary map after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Primary themes include ethnic and political identity, belief, empire, power, utopia, and everyday experience. We work with a variety of materials and disciplines: short primary documents (such as fairy tales, religious chronicles, speeches), interpretive histories, visual images, literary works (poems, short stories, novel excerpts, memoirs), films, and interactive media. The workload consists of regular readings, film screenings, two short papers, mid-term, and final exam. Participation in class discussions and bSpace is expected. The course is intended for a broad audience. Course discussion and all readings are in English. Knowledge of Slavic languages is not required. Slavic 50 is required of majors in Russian/East European/Eurasian cultures. Prerequisites: None. Slavic 103B (4 units) Advanced Russian (Part II) This course covers three main aspects of an advanced Russian course: grammar, syntax, and reading. The grammar is reviewed. Syntax deals with practical aspects of simple and compound sentences. Readings introduce mostly contemporary authors. The course is taught in Russian. There are weekly quizzes on grammar, syntax, and reading, one midterm and the final exam. Weekly discussion or conversation section. Grades based on 30% quizzes, 30% midterm, and 40% final. Texts: Prerequisite: Slavic 103A or equivalent. Slavic 105B (4 units) Advanced Russian/English/Russian Translation Slavic 105B, being a continuation of Slavic 105A, will have both oral interpretation and written translation represented in it. This time, these two aspects will have equal emphasis in the course. Oral translation (interpretation) will be expanded to cover not only informal casual situations but also formal meetings using the methods of consecutive and simultaneous translation. The latter is an especially highly valued skill. Certified consecutive and simultaneous interpreters are in high demand in conferences and official meetings. The written translation part will build on the material studied in 105A by expanding its scope to included scientific, legal and economic texts. Literary translation, including poetic, will also be studied. Texts:Reader Prerequisite: Slavic 105A or consent of instructor. NEW FOR SPRING 2009! Slavic 106A (3 units) Advanced Russian for Heritage Speakers The course is aimed at "heritage speakers" of Russian, i.e., those who grew up speaking Russian in the family without a standard Russian educational background. The advanced course aims at building a sophisticated vocabulary and developing advanced reading ability, as well as fostering the students’ awareness of the Russian cultural canon and contemporary culture and society. Texts: To be announced in class. Prerequisites: Advanced speaking and reading proficiency in Russian, placement test, and/or consent of instructor. ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NATIVE OR HERITAGE SPEAKERS ENROLLING IN UPPER-DIVISION POLISH, CZECH, BCS, OR BULGARIAN LANGUAGE COURSES Enrollment in Slavic 115AB, 116AB, 117AB,
118AB is limited to non-native Slavic 115B (4 units) Advanced Polish The course gives you an opportunity to broaden your knowledge about Polish grammar and how to use it in active communication. The goal of the course is to improve the fluency of your oral and written communication skills in Polish. You will learn through classroom exercises based on a modern textbook, completion of individual and group assignments, work with various audio materials, and some supplementary readings as assigned. The course will contain the following major components: grammar, pronunciation, reading, writing short essays and other short texts, some translation of short texts, and conversation about a variety of topics. The advanced 115B course, preceded by the fall 115A course, focuses on the modern standard Polish language and is taught in Polish with explanations in English if necessary. The course is designed for students who have completed the 115A course and students with intermediate and advanced skills in understanding and using Polish language. Class attendance as well as active participation in exercises and conversations is expected. Ability to work in team is a desired and especially valued skill. All assignments shall be completed on time. All missed assignments and exams have to be made up for. Your final grade will be based on your accumulation of points through class attendance, completion of homework assignments, midterm exams and final exam. I addition your final grade will be impacted by your active participation and ability to cooperate with fellow students. Texts: Set of 2 books (the same as for the course Slavic
115A) “HURRA!!! POLISH 2” with CDs
(student’s book + workbook): Prerequisite: Slavic 115A or permission of the instructor. Slavic 116B (4 units) Advanced Czech L&S Breadth: International Breadth This course will be interactive; students will collaboratively work as a class unit, in small groups and pairs. We will spend most of our class time reading, discussing, interacting with and translating selected Czech readings. Students will also keep a reading journal. Texts: Reader Recommended book: Prerequisites: Completion of 116A; consent of instructor. Slavic 117B (4 units) Advanced Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian L&S Breadth: International Studies Spoken and written language; advanced grammar review; reading of texts from various authors and cultural sources on Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia; advanced writing and conversation; oral presentations. Grades based on class participation, completion of written and oral assignments, midterm and final exam. Texts: Prerequisites: Slavic 117A or equivalent. Slavic 118B (4 units) Advanced Bulgarian L&S Breadth: International Studies Continued practice in speaking and writing Bulgarian. Review of grammar as necessary, reading and discussion of selected texts from Bulgarian literature. Text: Prerequisites: Slavic 118A or consent of instructor. Slavic 120B (2 or 3 units) Advanced Russian Conversation and Communication This course focuses on oral communication skills. The goal is to help students develop confidence and begin to feel comfortable conversing in Russian on various topics beyond routine social and survival needs. Since communication often breaks down when comprehension is poor, part of the class will be devoted to improving listening skills and building vocabulary. The course may be taken for two or three credits. Those students taking the course for two credits will come to class on Mondays and Wednesdays and do the assignments for those days. Students who choose to take the course for three credits will attend on Fridays as well. Together they will decide on a project (or projects) for the semester. It might be publishing a newspaper, writing and staging a play, filming a movie... or, judging by previous semesters, students may prefer to each take a turn planning and directing an interactive class based on their own interests (in consultation with the instructor). The Monday/Wednesday students will have regular home assignments to prepare for the next day’s class. There will be an oral test (one-on-one with the instructor) every 3 weeks or so. At the end of the semester there will be a final oral interview (with a less formal one at the beginning of the semester as a point of comparison). Text: All materials to be supplied by instructor during the course of the semester. Prerequisites: Slavic 4 or consent of instructor. Slavic 133 (4 units) The Novel in Russia and the West: "The European Novel" This Course is Cross-Listed with English 125C L&S Breadth: Arts & Literature Focusing on key texts from English, Russian, and French literatures, this course traces the development of the modern novel in Europe, from the early 19th- to the early 20-th century, and the all-important shift from Realism to Modernism. The texts are chosen to allow us to follow a specific thread: the intimate relationship between the European novel and the European city. Reading novels set in London, Paris and Petersburg, we will examine the changing experience of space and time, self and consciousness, private and public, center and periphery, high art and popular culture. Lectures will emphasize strategies of close reading and concepts from theories of the novel. We will use visual materials (photography, painting, and film) and discuss how the novel interacts with the visual arts and prepares the way for cinematography. In comparing novels from different national traditions, we will explore the interplay between genre and culture. (All readings in English.) Requirements: intense reading; two midterms and one final examination. Texts: Prerequisites: None. This course is cross-listed with English 125C; large enrollments expected; register early. Slavic 134E (4 units) Chekhov This Course is Cross-Listed with Theater 166, Section 1 L&S Breadth: Arts & Literature The course is devoted to Chekhov’s narrative fiction and dramatic art, and the inner connections between his two major modes of writing. We will read closely his short stories and plays, and situate Chekhov’s work both in its contemporary literary and cultural context, and in a larger historical continuum. We will discuss Chekhov’s collaboration with the Moscow Art Theater, Konstantin Stanislavsky, and other leading artists of the day. In a larger trans-national perspective, we will follow the evolution of the concept and cultural myth of the ‘Chekhovian,’ and discuss the lasting impact of Chekhov’s art and artistic persona on modern imagination. The course will include classroom screenings and discussions. There will be several quizzes checking your textual knowledge, a mid-term examination, and a course paper. Texts: Prerequisites: None. Readings in English. Slavic 134G (4 units) Dostoevsky and Tolstoy L&S Breadth: Philosophy & Values OR Arts & Literature This course will provide an introduction to the work of Russia’s two great nineteenth-century novelists. We will read some of their early fiction before turning to two of their great novels, Anna Karenina and The Brothers Karamazov. We will consider the novels from the perspective of historical context and literary form. Students will write two papers of five to eight pages and take a midterm and a final exam. Texts: Dostoevsky Prerequisites: None. Course and readings are in English. Slavic 134R (1 unit) Option: Research in Russian Literature for 134G This course is designed to support a research project coordinated with Slavic 134G supervised by the instructor. Individual consultation with the instructor. Final research paper of 10-15 pages required. Prerequisites: Enrollment in Slavic 134G; consent of instructor. Slavic 138 (4 units) Studies in Russian and Soviet Film: "Russian and Early Soviet Film" This Course is Cross-Listed with Film
Studies 151, Section 2
L&S Breadth: Arts & Literature This class examines the evolution of film style in the work of specific Soviet directors: Eisenstein, Vertov, Kozintsev and Trauberg, and Kuleshov. We will start with a look at the work of Evgenii Bauer (before the Revolution), continue with the revolutionary (and Revolutionary) experiments of our Soviet directors during the 1920’s, and conclude with a study of how each of our directors dealt with the transition into the sound era. Texts: TBA Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Slavic 148 (4 units) Topics in Russian Cultural History: "Early Modern Russian Culture" This Course is Cross-Listed
with History 100, Section 8
L&S Breadth: Historical Studies OR Arts & Literature The course presents an introduction to the Early Modern Russian culture; it encompasses the period from the Time of Troubles (beginning of the seventeenth century) to the reign of Catherine the Great (1762 – 1796). The formation of the particular Russian version of modernity will be traced from the crisis of medieval world-view in the virulent years of impostors, foreign adventurers, and civil disorder through later developments: the efforts to reform the Orthodoxy that resulted in the Great Schism; violent reign of Peter the Great who tried to rebuild Russia along western European lines by force and terror; imperial grandeur of Catherine the Great’s autocracy. We will pay close attention to religious theories, political consciousness, progress in arts and architecture as well as literature. Lectures and readings (of historical summaries, interpretations, and primary sources) will be in English. Relevant films will be viewed. There will be one midterm paper of 4-6 pages, based on one of the topics discussed in the class (or another topic chosen by the students in consultation with the instructor), and one final examination. The final grade will be determined according to the following distribution: midterm paper 33%, class participation 17%, final examination 50%. Texts: Slavic 190 (4 units) Russian Culture Taught in Russian: "Russian History in Russian" L&S Breadth: Historical Studies OR Social & Behavioral Sciences The course deals with the most important events in Russian history from the foundation of Kievan Rus’through modern times. It is obvious that this historical span can not be discussed in great detail. However, the crucial moments in the life of Russia will be dealt with much more comprehensively than the less critical times. The course consists of classroom discussions, presentations by the instructor (including video, samples of art, excerpts from literature, etc.). The students will use a textbook, handouts, write short essays, and will be able to exchange ideas and opinions with other students. This course will have a midterm (oral), and final (oral with a short composition). The material is taught in Russian with some explanation of historical terms and analysis in English. The class is aimed at students with advanced knowledge of Russian, including heritage speakers. Course may be repeated for credit as topic varies or equivalent with consent of instructor. Texts: Course reader of a book. Prerequisites: Slavic 103A or its equivalent, (at least three years of college level or equivalent), and consent of instructor. Slavic 200 (0 units) Graduate Colloquium Reports on current scholarly work by faculty and graduate students. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Graduate students must enroll in this course every semester in residence. Slavic 201 (4 units) Advanced Russian Proficiency Maintenance Russian language course for graduate students from various disciplines. May be taken for 2-3 credits, with consent of instructor. Focus on advanced idiomatic vocabulary, stylistic awareness, advanced/academic conversation. Texts: None. Prerequisites: Graduate standing; consent of instructor. Slavic 210 (4 units) Old Church Slavic Introduction to Old Church Slavic. Assigned translations and sight readings of selected texts. Phonology, inflectional morphology, syntax, and vocabulary, and their linguistic implications. The origin, development, and history of early Slavic writing. Literary, cultural, and historical functions and context. Assigned translations and sight readings for almost all class meetings. Some additional reading. One or two quizzes, two midterm exams, and final exam. Texts: Prerequisites: Reading knowledge of a Slavic language. Slavic 280, Section 1 (4 units) Graduate Literature Seminar: "The 1930's" This seminar will focus on the literature and culture of the Soviet 1930’s. We will read work by poets, politicians, novelists, comic writers, diarists, and journalists, as well as spending some time on the films, music and art of the period. Writers considered include Mandel’stam, Il’f and Petrov, Stalin, Bulgakov, Bely, Platonov, Ehrenburg (and others), as well as filmmakers Eisenstein, Alexandrov, and Kuleshov. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; consent of instructor. Slavic 280, Section 2 (4 units) Graduate Seminar: "Cities in Slavic and East European History and Cultures" This Course is Cross-Listed with History 285B, Section 2 A graduate research seminar devoted to topics in the histories of cities in the area from Prague and Vienna to St. Petersburg and Moscow and their wider fields of influence. Participants will choose one city or town, and one aspect of its history—in consultation with the instructor—for examination in their research papers. The entire seminar will devote four weeks at the beginning to discussions of a small and divergent sampling of approaches to the study of cities in history: Spiro Kostof’s The City Assembled; Carl E. Schorske’s Fin-de-siècle Vienna; Julie Buckler’s Mapping St. Petersburg; and chapters from the instructor’s on-going work on seventeenth-century Wilno. After the four weeks of discussion in common, participants will work independently on their projects and consult with the instructor about their research on a regular basis. We will all reconvene at the end of the semester to hear student presentations of the results of their work. Texts: Prerequisites: Reading knowledge of the relevant language(s). Slavic 280, Section 3 (4 units) Graduate Linguistics Seminar We have two primary goals in this course, and we will pursue them in alternation. On the one hand, we will use this course to read contemporary works in Slavic and general linguistics, on a range of topics (one topic per week). On the other, the course will provide a structure for advanced linguists to pursue their research topics (notably dissertations) and a venue for them to present and discuss their work. There is no set text. For the first two weeks, the instructor will select readings and post them on Courseworks. After this initial period, we will agree collectively on a schedule of weeks of reading (and on the content of the reading) and a schedule of presentations/discussions. Prerequisites: Graduate standing; consent of instructor. Slavic 282 (4 units) Proseminar in Linguistics: Topic TBA A detailed description is forthcoming. Texts: TBA Prerequisites: Graduate standing; consent of instructor. Slavic 285 (4 units) Eastern Christianity: History and Thought A survey of the religious culture and thought of Byzantium and East Slavic lands from Early Christianity to the so-called Russian religious renaissance of the twentieth century. The development of Eastern Christianity is discussed in a comparative perspective with an intent of providing greater insight into the shaping of Orthodox cultures and their distinctions from the cultures of Catholic and Protestant West. The course is taught in Russian, readings and discussion are in English and Russian. Texts: To be announced in class. Prerequisites: Graduate standing; consent of instructor. Slavic 301, Section 1 (3 units) Slavic Teaching Methods For Spring 2009: This course is required of all Graduate Student Instructors for Slavic 1, 2, 3, 4, 27B, 117B and 118B. Course to be repeated for credit each semester of employment as graduate student instructor. Course on practical teaching methods, grading, testing, and design of supplementary course materials. Required of all graduate student instructors in Slavic. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Slavic 301, Section 2 (3 units) Teaching Methodology: Reading & Composition This course is required of all Graduate Student Instructors teaching Reading & Composition courses in the Slavic Department. Course to be repeated for credit each semester of employment as graduate student instructor. The purpose of this course is to introduce new GSIs to teaching Slavic 5A and 5B. It will focus on preparation of teaching materials, including syllabi, and discussion of questions of pedagogy (teaching literature and writing, lecturing, leading class discussions, designing writing assignments, grading and formulating responses to student papers, working with students individually and in small groups). The course will help you prepare for a career as a college teacher of literature and for the teaching component of job applications. Must be taken on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory basis. Slavic 301, Section 3 (3 units) Slavic Teaching Methods For Spring 2009: This course is required of all Graduate Student Instructors for Slavic 26B, 116B and 50. Course to be repeated for credit each semester of employment as graduate student instructor. Course on practical teaching methods, grading, testing, and design of supplementary course materials. Required of all graduate student instructors in Slavic. Must be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Slavic 310 (2 units) Internship in the Teaching of Literature/Linguistics Weekly meetings with the instructor of the designated course. Discussion of course aims, syllabus preparation, lecture and assignment planning, grading and related matters. Students may prepare a representative portion of the work for such a course (e.g. lecture outline and assignments for a course segment) and may participate in presentation of the material and in evaluation of samples of student work. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Slavic graduate student status and consent of instructor. EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES COURSES East European Studies 1B (3 or
4 units) Elementary Hungarian Texts: East European Studies 100 (2
units) Advanced Hungarian Readings This class requires prior knowledge of the Hungarian language. The purpose of the class is to further develop the students' level of language proficiency in speech as well as in writing. A major component of the curriculum is based on student presentation of a topic chosen by each student in the class. Each student is to give two oral presentations during the semester. Materials for reading are selected by the instructor as well as by the students for home reading. Workload will include a reasonable amount of reading and writing assignments. Midterm and final exams, and the student's attendance and participation will provide the basis for grading. Texts: Various photocopied and internet materials, and readings chosen by the students. Prerequisite: East European Studies 1A-lB or consent of instructor. EURASIAN STUDIES COURSES Eurasian Studies 1B (3 units) Beginning Armenian This is part B of Beginning Armenian, which is a two semester sequence. This course is for students who have little previous knowledge of Armenian, or who have successfully completed part A. Proficiency in the four language skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing is developed. Modern Western Armenian is taught primarily, but students who would like to learn Eastern Armenian are also accommodated. Armenian is taught as one language. Commonalities are highlighted and the differences recognized and taught. Among the requirements are oral participation in class, homework, weekly assignments, a midterm project, and a term project with a final presentation. Required Text: Prerequisites: Eurasian Studies 1A; consent of instructor. Eurasian Studies 101B (3 units) Continuing Armenian This is part B of Continuing Armenian, which is a two semester sequence. The purpose of this course is to further develop students' Armenian proficiency in all four language skills, using discussion, oral presentations, written assignments and a variety of readings (literature, non-fiction, folklore, newspaper articles, etc.) chosen partly for their cultural significance and partly based on student needs and interests. Particular skills (e.g. reading) are emphasized, depending on student needs and interests. Three hours of class per week. Course may be repeated for credit. Among the requirements are participation in class, homework, weekly assignments, a midterm project, and a term project with a final presentation. Recommended Text: Prerequisites: Eurasian Studies 101A; consent of instructor. |
Courses by numbers
Russian:
Other Slavic Languages:
Reading And Composition Courses:
Literature And Culture Courses:
Graduate Courses:
Courses In Pedagogy: East European & Eurasian Studies: |