Resurrecting the Word: East European Literary Theory, from Formalism to Marxism and Beyond

We may know about "French Theory" and German philosophy, but what was the role of thinkers from the Slavic and East European world in formulating modern literary theory -- from formalism, structuralism, and semiotics to psychoanalysis, Marxism, and reader-response criticism? This course will evaluate foundational theorists from this region, including Formalists (Russian, Ukrainian, and otherwise), the Bakhtin circle, Czech structuralists, Hungarian Marxists, and South Slavic psychoanalytic thinkers, as well as important 19th century predecessors (Humboldt, Potebnia, Veselovsky). Key issues will include the concept of literary or poetic language, the definition of "form" and its relationship with "content," the relationship between literature, history, and society, the meaning of genre, and the goals and disciplinary boundaries of literary scholarship. Theoretical texts will be closely read. Knowledge of Russian or another Slavic language is helpful but not required. Readings will be offered in English translation.