CSLC 132 Russian Science Fiction and Fantasy

Many of Russia’s greatest writers used the genre of science fiction and fantasy to make bold political and philosophical statements, while at the same time creating some of the most memorable texts of the 20th century. This course will explore the works of the best of these writers: Yevgeny Zamyatin, Mikhail Bulgakov, Abram Tertz, the Strugatsky Brothers, and contemporary writer Victor Pelevin. The course will introduce students to modern Russian literature, while, at the same time, will examine how Russian writers used science fiction in a completely different manner than Western writers. Taught in English; no Russian required.