Alexander Pushkin: Architect of Modern Russian Literature

Interested in exploring the roots of classic Russian fiction and poetry? Alexander Pushkin is widely regarded as the most important figure in Russian literature, whose innovations shaped the language itself. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Pushkin's biography and major literary contributions, enabling you to read and critically appreciate his foundational verse and prose within its historical context. What you'll learn: 1. Understand the historical and cultural context of early 19th-century Imperial Russia that influenced Pushkin's writing. 2. Analyze the formal elements, major themes, and narrative structures used in his most famous poems and lyrical works. 3. Trace the development of the modern Russian literary language and Pushkin's essential role in establishing its standard forms. 4. Examine key prose works, including The Captain's Daughter and The Tales of the Late Ivan Petrovich Belkin. 5. Practice reading and interpreting excerpts from the novel-in-verse, Eugene Onegin. We begin by establishing the essential historical background and key literary concepts before moving into a detailed analysis of Pushkin's poetic and prose masterpieces. This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of Russian literature or history. Begin your journey into the heart of Russian classical writing today.