82049 - Russian Culture and Literature

Academic Year 2020/2021

  • Docente: Noemi Albanese
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: L-LIN/21
  • Language: Russian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Forli
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Specialized translation (cod. 9174)

Learning outcomes

The student - knows the core features (contents, methods and instruments) necessary for the in-depth analysis of Russian culture and literature - is able to apply this knowledge when tackling a range of semiotically challenging texts - is able to acquire higher-level cultural and literary knowledge and competences independently, and to apply them to a wide range of novel texts

Course contents

The aim of the course is to identify some common elements and connection among nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century Russian literature, starting from a reflection on short forms and on the so-called skaz-priem. The historical and theoretical context (with a particular insight into the formalist theories) will be the premise for an in-depth analysis of selected texts, providing the needed knowledges and tools, useful to understand the work and style of N. Leskov, N. Gogol', L. Tolstoj (with reference only to early texts) and M. Zoščenko. Part of the course will be dedicated to the analysis of the film adaptation of three of the analyzed texts: is it possible a cinematic skaz?

Readings/Bibliography

Theory

  • B. Ėjchenbaum, Illuzija skaza, in Skvoz’ literaturu: Sbornik statej, Photomechanical Reprint, Mouton & Co, ‘S-Gravenhage 1962, pp. 153-156 [Trad. it. di E. Baglioni e S. Martinelli, http://www.sguardomobile.it/spip.php?article311].
  • B. Ėjchenbaum, Kak sdelana “Šinel’” Gogolja, in Skvoz’ literaturu: Sbornik statej, Akademija, Leningrad 1924, pp. 171-195 [Trad. it.: B. Ejchenbaum, Come è fatto “Il cappotto” di Gogol’, in T. Todorov (cura), I formalisti russi, Einaudi, Torino 1968, pp. 249-273].
  • N. Marcialis, Perché il termine “skaz” è intraducibile?, in S. Garzonio, N.N. Kazanskaja, G.A. Levinton (cura), Laurea Lorae. Sbornik pamjati L. G. Stepanovoj, Nestor-Istorija, Sankt-Peterburg 2011, pp. 469-480.
  • M. Caramitti, I meccanismi dello skaz nel racconto "Montër" di Michail Zoščenko, in AA.VV., Sentieri Interrotti/Holzwege, Universitalia, Roma 2012, pp. 191-203.
  • M. Caramitti, Nikolaj Leskov: Il mancino, in M. Caramitti, Classici alla finestra, Ledizioni, Milano 2020, pp. 11-27.
  • S. Sini, Forme piccole di narratore e skaz: Boris Ėjchenbaum legge Nikolaj Leskov, in "Comparatismi" 1, 2016, pp. 54-74.
  • W. Schmid, Skaz, in Narratologija, Jazyki slavjanskoj kul’tury, Moskva 2003, pp. 186-194.
  • C. Géry, Le skaz cinématographique existe-t-il?, in C. Géry (cura), Autour du skaz. Nikolas Leskov et ses héritiers, Institut d'études slaves, Paris 2008, pp. 159-174.
  • I. Titunik, Mixail Zoščenko and the problem of skaz, in “California Slavic Studies”, Vol. VI, University of California Press, Berkeley-Los Angeles-London 1971, pp. 83-96.
  • M. Di Salvo, Ancora sullo skaz di Leskov, in A. Alberti, M.C. Bragone, G. Brogi Bercoff, L. Rossi (cura), Italia, Russi e mondo slavo. Studi filologici e letterari, a cura di, Firenze University Press, Firenze 2010, pp. 93-99.

Works

  • N. Leskov, Il mancino, in N. Leskov, Il viaggiatore incantato e altri racconti, trad. di D. Cavaion, La Repubblica, Roma 2004, pp. 381-420.
  • N. Gogol', La mantella, trad. di N. Marcialis, Salerno editrice, Roma 1991.
  • M. Zoščenko, Montër – Trad. it. di M. Caramitti in M. Caramitti, I meccanismi dello skaz nel racconto "Montër" di Michail Zoščenko, in AA.VV., Sentieri Interrotti/Holzwege, Universitalia, Roma 2012, pp. 191-203.
  • M. Zoščenko, Svad'ba
  • L. Tolstoj, Memorie di un "marqueur", in L. Tolstoj, Racconti, trad. di A. Villa, Einaudi 1953, pp. 193-215.

Films

  • "Levša" 1986, S. Ovčarov
  • "Šinel'" 1926, G. Kozincev, L. Trauberg, sceneggiatura di Ju. Tynjanov
  • "Šinel'" 1959, A. Batalov
  • "Ne možet byt'!" 1975, L. Gajdaj

Teaching methods

Methodological instruments necessary to analyse literary and historical texts and essays of the last two decades of Socialist realism will be offered, and through a critical methodology the analysed texts will be placed in the specific cultural context of the time.

The frequency is compulsory at 70% and the lessons are frontal.

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of an oral test focused on the texts cited in the bibliography and on the notes of the lessons.

The test will be aimed at evaluating the student's theoretical knowledge concerning the treated authors and critics, as well as his/her critic ability in reading a literay text.

The evaluation will be based on the ECTS grading scale:

A [≈ 30/30 – 30/30 e lode]: outstanding performance with only minor errors;

B [≈ 27/30 – 29/30]: above the average standard but with some errors;

C [≈ 24/30 – 26/30]: generally sound work with a number of notable errors;

D [≈ 21/30 – 23/30]: fair but with significant shortcomings;

E [≈ 18/30 – 20/30]: performance meets the minimum criteria;

F [≈ 15/30 – 17/30]: Fail – some more work required before the credit can be awarded;

FX [≈ 0/30 – 14/30]: Fail – considerable further work is required.

Teaching tools

Photocopies and material available on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Noemi Albanese

SDGs

Gender equality

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.