The reputation of A.P. Chekhov (1860-1904) as a master of the short story and brilliant dramatist is well-deserved. One of the attractions of studying him at...

Chekhov: The Quest for Freedom (SERS0029)

The reputation of A.P. Chekhov (1860-1904) as a master of the short story and brilliant dramatist is well-deserved. One of the attractions of studying him at undergraduate level lies in the fact that most of his works are fairly short and therefore well-suited to close structural and textual analysis. Linguistically his works are easily accessible. In terms of sophistication of form and subtlety of mood and ideas, they offer a rewarding challenge. The module offers an introduction to the broad spectrum of Chekhov's evolution as a writer of short stories and plays through the study of a representative selection of some of his principal works. These will be studied in roughly chronological order and considered in the light of the development of Chekhov's style, narrative and dramatic technique and central concerns as a writer. Groups of works are studied in relation to a number of key topics such as the nature of humour in Chekhov's works, the portrayal of women, the role of ideals, the functions of time and space and the use of narrative point of view. The texts will be read in Russian and/or in English translation, depending on the Russian language level of the students.

This module is compulsory for students in the final year taking a degree with Finnish language. It explores central themes in Finnish society and culture...

Finnish Society and Culture 3 (SEEF0015)

This module is compulsory for students in the final year taking a degree with Finnish language. It explores central themes in Finnish society and culture through the study of Finnish texts. It deepens the knowledge attained on the Year 2 module "Finland: Environment Society and Culture" by looking at specific cases which illuminate Finnish social and cultural life and the construction of Finnish identity in discourse.