SLA 216/ANT 216
Russia Today
(SA)
Professor(s): Serguei A. Oushakine

Description/Objectives:
The course provides an introduction into contemporary Russia. Through fiction, film, and academic studies, we will analyze how Russia is being transformed today. First, we explore modifications of individual and collective identities ( "gender"; "age"; "class") after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Then we look at the role of market relations in defining new cultural tendencies ("consumption"; "criminality", "globalization"). Finally, we examine ways in which Russian people re-establish their relations with the Soviet past and envision their future ("nostalgia"; "dystopia"). Knowledge of Russian is not required.

Sample Reading List:
Ries, Nancy , Russian Talk
Humphrey, Caroline , The Unmaking of Soviet Life
Pelevin, Viktor , Homo Zapiens
Permen, Dale , Russia and Soul
Pilkington, Hilary, et. al. , Looking West: Cultural Globalization
Sokurov, Alexander , Russian Ark

Reading/Writing Assignments: Approximately 100-150 pages of reading per week. Weekly position papers, occassional in-class presentation, and a final paper.

Requirements/Grading:
Paper in lieu of Midterm Exam: 30%
Paper in lieu of Final Exam: 40%
Oral Presentation(s): 30%

Schedule/Classroom Assignment:
Class Number: 41084 -  Seminar S01 : 1:30 pm - 4:20 pm M