Reading and writing about the important works of 20th and 21st century Russian literature with intensive textual analysis and discussion of cultural relevance of the discourse of totalitarian regimes, including prose (short stories, one novel), poetry and essays. Authors include Kharms, Shalamov, Vodolaskin. Writing component will develop expository prose style and rhetorical strategies. Taught in Russian. Recommended prerequisite: Russian 707 and 708, or consent of instructor.