RSS1020 - Post-Soviet Literature and Culture

Leader: Millicent Vladiv-Glover

Offered

Not offered in 2007

Synopsis

An introduction to contemporary cultural and social issues arising out of the end of the Soviet era and treating such topics as the effects of globalisation on Russian culture and national identity, and the role of the new art and literature cultural pluralism. Texts will include fiction, art and film.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to define the concept and cultural ambience of postmodernism in selected contemporary Russian films, art works and texts. Students will be able to use basic theoretical concepts, derived from Poststructuralism, to analyse the features and social significance of postmodernism in the culture of the 'new Russia' and to comment critically on the representation and identity construction of the 'new Russian'. By studying works of new Russian popular culture, including the Russian blockbuster movie, the advertising industry and the Russian detective novel, students will be able to develop a critique of Russian capitalist culture in relation to Western culture of the 1990s and beyond.

Assessment

Written (3000 words): 70%
Examination (1.5 hours): 30%

Contact hours

3 hours per week