CSLC 135 Tolstoy's "War and Peace"

Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece War and Peace chronicles the trials of two families living through Russia's existential fight for survival against Napoleon's Grande Army. In so doing, Tolstoy addresses questions of nationalism, religion, philosophy and free will as he chronicles in vivid detail Napoleon's fatal invasion of Russia. Through papers, exams, and class participation, students will analyze the novel from multiple perspectives to fully appreciate the destructive forces behind military adventurism and national arrogance. Taught in English; no Russian required.