RUSS 4303

PROPAGANDA AND IDEOLOGY IN SOVIET ART AND LITERATURE

The University of Texas at Arlington Department of Modern Languages

Fall 2010, T/TH 12:30-1:50 Trimble Hall 209

Dr. Lonny Harrison 221 Hammond Hall [email protected] Office hours: T/TH 2-3 http://russian.uta.edu http://russ4303.wordpress.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In the period from the Russian Revolution of 1917 to the death of Joseph Stalin in 1953, the purpose, value, and influence of the arts underwent a major reevaluation in the U.S.S.R. The object of this course is to examine the ways in which Russian artistic expression responded (and contributed) to the abrupt change of political context brought about by the Russian Revolution. A major focus will be the symbols, stories, rituals and ideologies that defined the experience of ‘building socialism’ in the early decades of the Soviet Union.

REQUIREMENTS and GRADING

One 20 minute presentation based on a topic related to course readings and seminar discussion will be worth 20% of the final grade. Two formal papers of 8 and 12 pages, respectively, will make up 50% (20+30) of the final grade. Both papers must be revised and re-submitted. Topics will be chosen in consultation with the instructor. Papers are due at the beginning of class on their due dates. Late papers will be graded down by ½ of a grade per day.

RUSS 4303 Fall 2010 2

A final exam during exam period will make up 20% of the course grade.

Regular attendance and participation in seminar discussion is mandatory and will account for 10% of the final grade.

Seminar and readings will be conducted in English. Students of Russian will do some course readings and assignments in Russian.

REQUIRED TEXTS

Please purchase the following texts, available at the UTA bookstore, or acquire similar editions. Russian majors are encouraged to read parts of Bulgakov in Russian.

Brown, Edward J., Russian Literature since the Revolution . Bulgakov, Mikhail, The White Guard . Fitzpatrick, Sheila, Everyday Stalinism: Ordinary Life in Extraordinary Times: Soviet Russia in the 1930s . Coursepack. (Selected readings compiled by the instructor)

COURSE BLOG http://russ4303.wordpress.com The course blog will be used periodically to keep you abreast of course topics, assignments, links, and questions for discussion. Occasionally you will be asked to post your thoughts to an open forum on the blog. A copy of this syllabus is available on the blog.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students should acquire a broad and extensive knowledge of mass culture in Soviet Russia between 1917-1953, especially insofar as art and literature were used as party vehicles for the dissemination of political education and ideology. Advanced skills will be acquired in close analysis of source texts of print and visual culture, as well as historical and theoretical studies. Students also gain practice in making presentations and writing analytical essays. Students of Russian increase vocabulary and work toward active mastery of language structures by reading source texts and documents in the original Russian.

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

Drop Policy: Refer to university drop policy.

Americans With Disabilities Act: The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation; reference Public Law 92-112 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) , pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.

As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodations" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty of their need for accommodation and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels. Information regarding specific diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining academic accommodations can be found at www.uta.edu/disability. Also, you may visit the Office for Students with Disabilities in room 102 of University Hall or call them at (817) 272-3364. RUSS 4303 Fall 2010 3

Academic Integrity: It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.

"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents’ Rules and Regulations, Series 50101, Section 2.2)

Student Support Services Available: The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve academic success. These programs include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs. Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the Office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107 for more information and appropriate referrals.

Electronic Communication Policy: All students are assigned a MavMail account. Students are responsible for checking their MavMail regularly. Information about activating and using MavMail is available at http://www.uta.edu/oit/email/