Slavic Language and Literature - Bodies in Pain

Catalog description

In this course we will read and discuss a variety of contemporary literary works by Central and Eastern European writers in an attempt to understand pain as a human experience. The course will attempt to answer such questions as how do people make sense of pain and illness? What is the relation between physical and emotional suffering? How does one communicate pain and how does one perceive the pain of others? How do experiences of pain and illness shape one’s sense of self? Does suffering bring us together or set us apart? How can the medical profession benefit from the study of literature? Focusing on a wide range of pain representations, we will examine how the historical, cultural and social context adds additional layers of meaning to this universal somatic sensation. This course is offered at the 300 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 705.