A practical study of different discourses—their lexical, grammatical, stylistic and narrative characteristics. Topics include: nineteenth-century narrative techniques (Gogol’s skaz, Dostoevsky’s polyphony, Tolstoy’s use of aspect), oral speech and folklore patterns, language of the Imperial and Soviet power, discourse of Stalinist subjectivity, conventions of Russian scholarly prose, contemporary discursive practices, etc. The class is conducted entirely in Russian. Required of all beginning (first- and second-year) graduate students in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, the course might be also of use for graduate students in history and social sciences.

Requirements: Weekly readings and active participation in discussions; regular written homework assignments; take-home final examination.

Books: Reader provided by instructor.

Prerequisites: Advanced knowledge of Russian; graduate standing in the Slavic Department or consent of instructor.