Themes for discussion:
The significance of literature in Russian culture. Lenin's views on the use of propaganda
and control of the press. Political repression and censorship in Soviet Russia. The
literary doctrine of "Socialist Realism"-- the Party's use and control
of literature and the arts. Avoiding the censors in the pre-glasnost ' era--
samizdat (underground publishing) and the "Bards." Solzhenitsyn,
Sakharov and the dissent movement. The impact of glasnost and the Gorbachev
reforms on Soviet culture. The end of cultural/political repression in Russia. The
rehabilitation of the past. The arts in Russia after the collapse of the USSR
Case study: Bulgakov.
Film: "Commissar" (Soviet Union, 1967/1988) |
Thursday, October 16
Read: Ermolaev, Censorship in Soviet Literature (1-41, 51-89, 99-131)
In class: Discuss research paper (proposal due next Friday);
Begin discussion of political censorship in Russia/USSR-- background on the role
of literature in Russian culture; the literary doctrine of "Socialist Realism"/
the use of literature and the press as propaganda tools in the Soviet period; the
fate of writers in Stalinist Russia; Samizdat/ avoiding the censors. Discussion of
Gorbachev reforms and glasnost'. The "opening-up" of Russian society.
Tuesday, October 21
Read: Ermolaev, Censorship in Soviet Literature (141-172, 181-214,
223-252)
*Thursday, October 23
Read: Bulgakov, Heart of a Dog. Be prepared to discuss the entire text
in small groups.
*Write: Reaction
Film: “Commissar” 4 PM and 8 PM (KJ Aud)
Friday, October 24
Research proposal due today (statement of intent and approach, theme statement,
preliminary bibliography)(this counts as 20% of the research paper grade)(e-mail
or hard copy delivered to my office. Deadline 4 PM)
Tuesday, October 28--Gorbachev, Glasnost’ and the Collapse of Soviet Censorship
Read: xerox packet
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