Sergei Davydov
Professor Emeritus of Russian
Email: sdavydov@middlebury.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
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Courses
Courses offered in the past four years.
▲ indicates offered in the current term
▹ indicates offered in the upcoming term[s]
ENAM 0359 - The Art Of Nabokov
The Art of Vladimir Nabokov (in English)
A study of the "perverse" aesthetics of this Russian-American writer. We will expose the hidden plots under the surface of his fiction, follow and arbitrate the ongoing contest between the author and his fictional heroes, and search for the roots of Nabokov's poetics in Western and Russian literary traditions. An attempt will be made to show the continuity between the Russian and English works of this bilingual and bicultural writer. 3 hrs. lect.
Spring 2010
RUSS 0101 - Beginning Russian
Beginning Russian
This course is an approach to the language using four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). It provides a firm control of the sound system and the structure of Russian. Although much emphasis is put on the spoken colloquial language, reading, writing, and a conscious understanding of the fundamentals of grammar prepare a strong foundation for work in advanced courses or for reading in specialized fields. 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. drill.
Fall 2009
RUSS 0103 - Beginning Russian
Beginning Russian
This course is a continuation of the approach used in RUSS 0102, but with increased emphasis on reading. (RUSS 0102) 3 hrs. lect., 3 hrs. drill.
Spring 2009, Spring 2010
RUSS 0122 - The Russian Mind (in English)
The Russian Mind (in English)
In this course we will study the dominant themes of Russia's past and their role in shaping the present-day Russian mind. Topics will include: Slavic mythology; Russian Orthodoxy; Russian icons; the concept of autocracy; the legacy of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great; the Golden Age of Russian Literature (Pushkin, Gogol, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky); Russian composers, including the "Mighty Five"; Russian theater and ballet; the origins of Russian radicalism; the Russian Revolution; the legacy of Lenin and Stalin; and Russia from Khrushchev to Putin. 3 hrs. lect.
Fall 2009
RUSS 0311 - Russian Cult and Civ I
Russian Culture and Civilization I
This course offers a bilingual approach to the study of Russian culture from its origins to the mid-nineteenth century. Works of literature, art, and music will be examined in their historical context. Particular emphasis will be devoted to the improvement of oral and written skills. (RUSS 0202 or equivalent) (formerly RUSS 0411) 3 hrs. lect
Fall 2009
RUSS 0312 - Russ Cult and Civ II
Russian Culture and Civilization II
This course is a continuation of RUSS 0311 but may be taken independently. It offers a bilingual approach to the study of Russian culture from the second half of the nineteenth century to the present. Works of literature, art, and music will be examined in their historical and political context. Particular attention will be devoted to the improvement of oral and written skills. (RUSS 0202 or equivalent) (formerly RUSS 0412) 3 hrs. lect.
Spring 2009
RUSS 0359 - The Art Of Nabokov
The Art of Vladimir Nabokov (in English)
A study of the "perverse" aesthetics of this Russian-American writer. We will expose the hidden plots under the surface of his fiction, follow and arbitrate the ongoing contest between the author and his fictional heroes, and search for the roots of Nabokov's poetics in Western and Russian literary traditions. An attempt will be made to show the continuity between the Russian and English works of this bilingual and bicultural writer. 3 hrs. lect.
Spring 2010
RUSS 0500 - Advanced Independent Study
Advanced Studies in Language and Literature
Supervised individual study for highly qualified students. (Approval required)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010
RUSS 0700 - Senior Independent Study
Senior Independent Study
(Approval required)
Spring 2009, Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Spring 2010