REES Course Descriptions

Russian and East European Studies (2009-2010)

This course examines the cultural background of East Slavic mythology. Elements of the Russian fairy tale and Bylina (Epic Song) - such as a hero's or a heroine's journeys to the Other World, goddess worship, and the fearsome beings (for example the Baba-Yaga, the Zmei and Koshchei) - are analyzed.

An examination of the Devil and demonic figures in the Russian and Slavic cultural traditions based on examples drawn from literature, music, the visual arts, and film. Connections to a larger Western cultural context are also explored.

Selected topics in Russian and East European Studies chosen by the instructor in consultation with the department. The topics chosen introduce students to important issues in eastern European culture.

This course examines the role that languages play in multilingual societies from a linguistic perspective. It focuses on topics such as dialects, language contact and change, bilingualism, language choice, and language and identity.

This course examines the role that languages play in multilingual societies from a social and cultural perspective. It focuses on topics such as plurilingualism and multilingualism, language maintenance and loss, language planning and politics, multilingual and heritage language education.

A survey of cultural history from the beginnings to 1861. Lectures will focus on major developments in literature, philosophy, art, architecture, and music as seen against the background of Russia's historical past. Discussion will be devoted primarily to works of Russian literature.

A survey of cultural history from 1861 to the present. Lectures will focus on major developments in literature, philosophy, art, and music as seen against the background of Russia's historical past. Discussion will be devoted primarily to works of Russian literature.

This course presents the evolution of Croatian culture from the beginnings to 1835. Particular emphasis is placed on developments in literature; however, other significant manifestations of Croatian civilization (art, architecture, music) are also examined.

This course presents the evolution of Croatian culture from 1835 to the present. Particular emphasis is placed on developments in literature; however, other significant manifestations of Croatian civilization (art, architecture, music) are also examined. Integral to this course are the cultural aspects of Croatian settlements in Canada.

This course is a survey of the cultural, artistic, and literary impact of women on Russian society and intellectual development. It examines the changing images of Russian women from early tribal matriarchy to the present post-Communist period. Special attention is paid to the "women's question" in Russia, including nineteenth-century emancipation, the Revolutionary movement, and specific problems and achievements of women in Soviet and post-Soviet Russia.

A detailed examination of Russian and eastern European short stories by major representative writers.

Russian literature and politics often seem inseparable, and this course illustrates this phenomenon by employing twentieth-century Russian literature to examine Soviet society. Representative works by writers such as Zalygin, Rasputin, Grekova, and Aitmatov will shed light on Soviet agricultural, educational, religious, and environmental policies.

A study of the origins and development of Russian drama up to 1905. Reading and critical analysis of major works in various genres with emphasis on authors of the 19th century.

A study of the origins and development of Russian drama after 1905. Reading and critical analysis of major works in various genres with emphasis on authors of the 20th century.

Selected topics in Russian and East European Studies chosen by the instructor in consultation with the department. The topics chosen introduce students to important issues in eastern European culture.

Selected topics in Russian and East European Studies chosen by the instructor in consultation with the department. The topics chosen introduce students to important issues in eastern European culture.

Russian and East European Honours students in their third or fourth year may complete a major project, the results of which must be presented in a substantial essay. The topic should reflect the student's field of interest.

Study in selected topics under direction of instructor.

Study abroad in Russian and Eastern European Studies.