Russian V: Contemporary Russian Literature and Culture

• discuss developments within Russian literature and culture from 1991 until the present day
• reflect on contemporary artistic and literary trends in Russia
• distinguish and explain political and ideological factors that have influenced the development of contemporary Russian culture
• analyse and interpret the literary texts from a social context.

The course focuses on the transformation of Russian culture and literature from 1991 to the present day. The transition from late Soviet to post-Soviet society is discussed by way of analysis of selected visual and literary works. Individual artists and writers are treated through studies of a selection of representative works. The literary texts are studied from linguistic and literary perspectives and are related to contemporary Russian culture. Stylistic questions about what is normative and non-normative are analysed in connection with the reading. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between literature and other media, such as music and film.

Continuous assessment of active participation in seminars and an essay.

Russian and Swedish/English are the languages of instruction. Teaching is conducted in obligatory seminars.

The Swedish grades U–VG.

To achieve the grade of VG for the whole course, students must achieve VG in module 1.

Reporting of grades:
Module 1: Seminars - 6.5 cr
Module 2: Essay - 1 cr