This course will concentrate primarily on developing writing and conversation skills in Russian through an in-depth study of the life and works of such balladeers as Okhudzhava, Vysotsky and Galich. The work of these guitar poets is rich in contemporary idiom, and a close reading of their lyrics represents a relatively painless method of acquiring vocabulary and expressions in current use.

The post-Stalinist period saw the rise of a new genre -- guitar poetry. We will discuss the history and antecedents of the guitar poets, how their work illuminates contemporary Russian life and concerns, the unique role within Russian society, and broader issues connected with freedom of speech and censorship.

Class time will be devoted to short presentations and discussion of the guitar poets' lives and works. We shall view several documentary films on Vysotsky, televised in the Soviet Union in the late eighties. Assignments will include reading selected articles on individual guitar poets and on the genre, listening to audio cassette tapes of selected works, reading the accompanying lyrics, transcription and/or memorization of some songs. Grades will be based on familiarity with the lyrics, written assignments and participation in class discussion.

I Love, Therefore I Live! Russian Reader Compact Cassette
Kontsert, Russian Reader Compact Cassette
Vladimir Vysotsky: Pesni i Stikhi
Selected audio and video cassettes