Course Description

Instructor: Ross Friedman, MA

So, who’s ready to read a great Russian novel? Crime and Punishment is--like the winters and geography of Russia--long and arduous, and over the years that I’ve taught it with the scholars I’ve learned--like Napoleon and Hitler before me—that many troops will die or be lost along the way. But it’s one of the great works of literature: a work of philosophy, a psychological thriller, and one of the first detective stories, serving as inspiration for the Columbo TV series and the movie Match Point. I will be happy to take all intrepid travelers—those who see themselves as Raskolnikovian second category persons--on a journey well worth taking. All students MUST have the same translation of the book: The Barnes and Noble Classic edition (ISBN 978-159308-081-5) is available at their stores, and I will have some for purchase the first day of class.