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2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SLAV3105 Leo Tolstoy and the Moral Maze

20 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Sarah Hudspith
Email: S.F.Hudspith@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

Module replaces

SLAV 3217 War and Peace in the works of Tolstoy, SLAV 3221 Family Happiness in the works of Tolstoy

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

To study in depth the writings and ideas of one of the greatest authors of the 19th century, in order to understand his perspective on a chosen moral-sociological theme of importance both in Russia and beyond. The thematic focus of the module will vary from year to year; two examples are war and violence, and family and sexuality. The themes will be studied via in-depth study of one of Tolstoy's major novels (War and Peace, Anna Karenina, Resurrection), together with contrastive study of shorter works from different periods of his life.

Objectives

To study in depth the writings and ideas of one of the greatest authors of the 19th century, in order to understand his perspective on a chosen moral-sociological theme of importance both in Russia and beyond. The thematic focus of the module will vary from year to year; two examples are war and violence, and family and sexuality.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the works of Leo Tolstoy;
- engage with and critically analyse Tolstoy's views on the module's chosen theme, and account for any changes in these views over his lifetime;
- demonstrate an acquaintance with Tolstoy scholarship through further reading;
- demonstrate sound analytical and discursive skills both orally and in writing.

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- conduct analysis of texts;
- engage in critical debate around issues of society, morality and aesthetics;
- demonstrate the capacity for independent thought and judgement;
- show advanced research skills.

Syllabus

This module focuses on the development in Tolstoy's views on a specified theme, by examining a minimum of three works from different periods of his life. The centrepiece of the module will be one of Tolstoy's major novels (War and Peace, Anna Karenina, Resurrection), which will be studied in depth. This will be compared with shorter works, including fiction and non-fiction, from contrasting periods in his career. Background information on other relevant works by Tolstoy and on the historical context will be provided in lectures; seminar discussions will draw out the key themes and develop critical thinking.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	3	1.00	3.00
Seminar	17	1.00	17.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Preparation per class (reading set texts, background reading): 20 X 4 hours = 80 hours
Essay preparation: 2 x 50 hours = 100 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students' contributions in seminar discussions. Staff are available outside class in their Office Hours for further guidance. The first assessed essay will provide feedback on progress midway through the module.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3,000 words	50.00
Essay	3,000 words	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 01/04/2009

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