This course focuses on the topic of violence and resistance to it. We will explore different forms of violence – from war to repression and denial of human rights. However, we will also learn about the ways in which courageous people resist violence and find ways to survive and thrive. The course examines the places where these struggles take place – the important cities across the Slavic cultures.

Cities play a huge role in memory, history and literature. We will take journey through these cities and literary and film works that talk about human struggle to keep the culture alive in a world that is often dangerous and violent. How do generosity, tenderness and care for other people keep the cities alive, from Saint Petersburg on the north to Sarajevo on the south?

Course Requirements:

mid-term paper, final paper, short responses