Literature in Ongoing Catastrophe: Writing Laboratory

This course is both a deep exploration and a creative journey into contemporary Russian literature born out of the catastrophic realities of war, repression, and societal upheaval. Each week, we'll examine literary works, discuss the cultural and historical contexts that shape them, and engage in writing workshops designed to ignite your imagination. By the conclusion of the course, students will collaboratively prepare a bilingual Russian-English anthology of texts, created jointly with students of the Free University (Russia, working in exile). This anthology will combine translations, original creative writing, and critical reflections, serving as both an academic and cultural contribution.