The Russian Short Story, from ancient legends, tales, and fables, through diverse literary movements of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, has been a stable tool for Russian writers to explore ethical, aesthetic, and social questions. Students will grapple with these big ideas expressed in miniature format. Students also will study the craft of writing and cultivate skills of perception, observation, critical thinking, and clear communication. Readings will include: Karamzin, Pushkin, Lermontov, Leskov, Ostrovsky, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Zamyatin, Bulgakov, Teffi, Babel, Kharms, Nabokov, Bunin, Olesha, Platonov, Zoshenko, Gorky, Tolstaya, Shukshin, Sorokin, Dovlatov, and Pelevin.