Introduction to World Literature This course is an introduction to the critical analysis of imaginative literature of the world, the dissemination of themes and myths, and the role of translation as the medium for reaching different cultures. Through the careful reading of selected classic texts from a range of Western and non-Western cultures, students will deepen their understanding and appreciation of the particular texts under consideration, while developing a critical vocabulary with which to discuss and write about these texts, both as unique artistic achievements of individual and empathetic imagination and as works affected by, but also transcending their historical periods.

Once Upon A Time ... Folk Fairy Tales Of The World Tell me a story! We will examine the complex, inter-connected fairy tale traditions found in every society. Comparing fairy tale variants from around the world-including Japan, China, India, Near East, Africa-we will explore their convoluted and fertile relationships as observed in the rise of fairy tale collections in 15th-century Europe, reaching a culmination in the Brothers Grimm collection, often synonymous with the fairy tale itself. To attain a more dispassionate critical perspective we will explore theoretical approaches to the fairy tales through authors such as Zipes, Bottigheimer, Tatar, and Rölleke, and conclude by examining modern variants in prose, poetry, and film.

Once Upon a Time – Fairy Tales of the World Tell me a story! We will examine the complex, inter-connected folk fairy tale traditions found in every society. Comparing fairy tale variants from around the world, we will explore their convoluted and fertile relationships as observed in the rise of fairytale collections in 15th Century Europe, reaching a culmination in the Brothers Grimm collection, often synonymous with the fairy tale itself.  To attain a more dispassionate critical stance we will explore theoretical approaches to the fairy tales by such authers as Jack Zipes, Ruth Bottigheimer, Maria Tatar, and Kay Stone, and conclude by examining modern variants in prose, poetry, and film.

Roger Russi

Reviews and ratings for Roger Russi at Middlebury College.Roger Russi teaches Intro to World Literature, Folk-Fairy Tales of the World, Fairy Tales of the World and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Roger Russi good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

It was very interesting and genuine fun class. He's a good advisor too. If you have trouble with Grammer triple check it since he does grade more harshly on it. We do get to see some cool clips in the class as well. I would recommend choosing a typical popular story to research if you don't want to spend a crazy amount of time in the library. As the less common tales resources are either in German, French, or on barrow system with other libraries in a non timely manner. 

Professor Russi is very knowledgeable on the topic of Fairy Tales. However, his classes were not always interesting, and many students clearly didn't read but got away with it. There were a handful of students that were engaged everyday, and by the end of the year they answered nearly 100% of the Professor's questions.

Russi is super passionate about Fairy Tales. His classes are pretty lecture-based and also include a fair amount of discussion. There is a fair amount of reading asked, but it's definitely doable. He is a pretty fair essay grader, with quite a strict lateness policy, but he is always very understanding. 