Studies in Symbolist and Modern Literatures

A semester-long seminar devoted to the works of Vladimir Nabokov.  (Works originally written in Russian will be read in English with the possibility of an additional time for discussion of the Russian texts).  Focus will be on Nabokov’s place in the Russian and American literary traditions, the nexus between sexual desire and interpretation, Nabokov and close reading, applied Nabokov studies.  While our focus will be mostly on Nabokov’s novels, we will also devote some time to his short stories, criticism and, perhaps, letters.   Members of the seminar will write a final paper, make one or two presentations and occasionally lead (or at least instigate) seminar discussions.