Literature as Resistance: the case of Russophone literature today

The course RY2113, Literature as resistance: contemporary Russian literature, 7.5 credits, is given as a freestanding course at second cycle level and may be included in Master´s degree (60 or 120 credits) with Russian or Slavic languages as the main field of study.

To be admitted to the course, students must have at least 60 credits, introductory and intermediate course, in one and the same main field of study within humanities or social science, and English 6/English level 2 or the equivalent knowledge confirmed through an internationally recognised test, for example TOEFL or IELTS.

The course gives a general theoretical introduction to the phenomenon and concept of literature as resistance and introduces the development of Russian literature in post-Soviet Russia. The literary situation in post-Soviet Russia is also treated. The focus of the course are the mechanisms behind Russian literature as resistance from a societal perspective. Within the scope of the course, literary works and theoretical texts relevant to the course theme are read, discussed and analysed.

After completing the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
- explain the development of Russian literature and its distinctive features during the post-Soviet era;
- give an account of literature as resistance and its features on the basis of post-Soviet literature;

Competence and skills
- analyse literary works on the basis of literary and societal context and on the basis of the theoretical concepts that are treated in the course;
- integrate knowledge of literature as resistance in analyses of Russian literature in the post-Soviet period;
- treat and present a delimited question and analysis connected to the course theme;

Judgement and approach
- analyse, critically evaluate and review theoretical arguments on the basis of their scholarly and ethical possibilities, limitations and consequences for the surrounding society and for continued studies within the field treated in the course;
- critically review the importance of literature as resistance for society in general and for oppressed groups;
- reflect on his or her own theoretical argumentation and that of others.

Teaching is conducted in the form of seminars and discussions.

The course is offered either as campus course or as a web-based course.

Language of instruction: English

The course is examined through continuous oral examination, written assignments and a written take-home examination.

If a student who has failed the same examined component twice, wants to change examiner before the next examination, they should submit a written request to the department responsible for the course. The request shall be granted unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6, Section 22 of Higher Education Ordinance).

If the University of Gothenburg has decided that a student is eligible for special study support, the examiner may, provided it is compatible with the aim of the course and it can be done within the scope of available resources, decide to offer the student an adjusted examination or a different examination format.

If the course has been discontinued or substantially revised, a student should be guaranteed to sit the examination on at least three occasions (including the ordinary examination occasion) during a period of at least one year, but not later than two years after the course was discontinued or revised. As regards internships/placement the same as above applies, with the exception that examination is offered on only one occasion.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). For the final grade of Pass with distinction, this grade is required on at least half of the total number of course credits.

The students are given the opportunity to make a written evaluation of the course. Evaluation results and any changes in the course structure should be communicated to both the students who completed the evaluation and to the students who will start the course.

For web-based specialisation, access to a computer, a web camera and stable internet connection are required.

Equality aspects should be taken in consideration in content, literature, teaching and evaluation.