Russian 319 - Law and Justice in Russian Literature

Law & Justice in Rus Lit

Spring
2025
01
4.00
Maria Mayofis

M/W | 12:30 PM - 1:50 PM

Amherst College
RUSS-319-01-2425S
Barrett Hall Room 105
mmayofis@amherst.edu

This course examines the relationship between Russian literature and concepts of law and justice. Russian writers engaged deeply with legal and moral dilemmas, often motivated by a historically rooted distrust of state institutions and the judicial system. Through close reading of novels, short stories, poems, plays, and non-fiction, we will explore how authors critically assessed the implementation of law across various spheres of Russian life. The course also illuminates how literature evolved into a powerful medium for proposing moral alternatives to a legal system widely perceived as dysfunctional. Given the high status of literature in Russian society, these literary perspectives on law and justice gained significant influence, coexisting with more pragmatic approaches to governance and jurisprudence.

Offered Spring Semester. Visiting Assistant Professor Mayofis.

How to handle overenrollment: null

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Emphasis on written work, readings, independent research, group work.

Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.