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 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.

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.

Roger Russi

Reviews and ratings for Roger Russi at Middlebury College.Roger Russi teaches Intro to World Literature, Folk Fairy Tales of the World, Folk-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.

Prof. Russi is a great instructor and very passionate about the subject material. The course is very much discussion-based, with several papers assigned throughout. The papers are totally manageable and Prof. Russi is a fair grader. We also got rewrites which were quite helpful. Would definitely recommend. 

Really chill and laidback. Russi is super chill and accommodating. Very easy grader and the papers were pretty straightforward and only 3-4 pages each. Also gives you a rewrite for up to 10 extra points. Symposiums were kinda annoying but worth it for the easy CW.

Roger Russi is clearly passionate about the topic and knows just about everything there is to know about fairytales. I personally was simply not that invested in the readings due to my lack of interest in fairytales, but I could see someone with such interest to love the course.