The Fictions of Science and Science Fiction: Technological Fantasies in Global Context In The Human Condition, Hannah Arendt refers to science fiction as “a vehicle for mass sentiments and mass desires” that bears witness to the fact that “science has realized and affirmed what men anticipated in dreams that were neither wild nor idle.”  Drawing on a wide range of literary, cinematic, and philosophical texts from Europe, Russia, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, in this course we will examine how cultural specificity informs and responds to the demands of technological fantasy, and investigate the challenges and opportunities posed to the concept of “the human” in an age dominated by technology.

Russian Literature's Golden Age: 1830-1880 (in English) Duels, ghosts, utopias, murders, prostitution, and adultery- these are the raw materials Russian authors turned into some of the world's greatest literature. This course is an introduction to Russian literature of the 19th century, from the short stories of Pushkin and Gogol to the great novels of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. The centrality of literature in Russian society and the interrelations among the authors and texts will be discussed. How do the authors combine reality, fantasy, and philosophy to make these works both uniquely Russian and universal?

Dostoevsky in Global Context (taught in English) In this course students will read some of the most important works written by literary giant Fyodor Dostoevsky. Readings will include selected early fiction (Poor Folk, The Gambler, and Notes from the House of the Dead); his seminal manifesto Notes from Underground; Crime and Punishment; and The Idiot. In addition to these primary works, we will explore how Dostoevsky’s life, texts and ideas have been adapted and interpreted globally. Possible case studies include Kurosawa’s 1951 screen adaptation of The Idiot, Coetzee’s novella The Master of St. Petersburg, Ellison’s Invisible Man, and Sreedharan’s Like a Psalm. No knowledge of Russian required. Open to first-year students.

The Russian Mind (in English) In this course we will study the dominant themes of Russia's past and their role in shaping the present-day Russian mind. Topics will include: Slavic mythology; Russian Orthodoxy; Russian icons; the concept of autocracy; the legacy of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great; the Golden Age of Russian Literature (Pushkin, Gogol, Tolstoy and Dostoevsky); Russian composers, including the "Mighty Five"; Russian theater and ballet; the origins of Russian radicalism; the Russian Revolution; the legacy of Lenin and Stalin; and Russia from Khrushchev to Putin.

Beginning Russian This course is an approach to the language using four skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). It provides a firm control of the sound system and the structure of Russian. Although much emphasis is put on the spoken colloquial language, reading, writing, and a conscious understanding of the fundamentals of grammar prepare a strong foundation for work in advanced courses or for reading in specialized fields.

Beginning Russian This course is a continuation of the approach used in RUSS 0102, but with increased emphasis on reading.

Beginning Russian This course is a continuation of RUSS 0101.

Pushkin In this course, we will explore the works of the Russian national poet, Aleksandr Pushkin. Primary readings will be drawn from Pushkin's prose, poetry, drama, and critical writings. Additional readings will include works from 20th and 21st century writers and cultural figures who respond to or challenge Pushkin's ongoing reception within Russian and world literature. No knowledge of Russian required. Open to first year students.

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.

Intermediate Russian Continuation of the approach used in RUSS 0201. Reading of contemporary Russian texts, conversation, and written assignments in Russian based on reading assignments.

Timothy Portice

Reviews and ratings for Timothy Portice at Middlebury College.Timothy Portice teaches Science Fiction Global Context, Golden Age Russian Literature, Dostoevsky in Global Context and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Timothy Portice good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This course had a great discussion element with 2/3 weekly meetings being really engaging conversations. The reading is significant but the other out of class assignments are not overwhelming. There is a lot of options when it comes to exams which makes them pretty easy to succeed on. 

I greatly enjoyed this course with Professor Portice. The weekly reading load was very heavy at the beginning of the semester, but the second half's homework was often a film to watch. The class content covered Russian history, Russian literature, and Russian films. I especially enjoyed the later two sections of the course. Professor Portice is a very kind professor and wants everyone to do well in the course. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning more about Russia. 

I only took this class because it was a night class and the only way for me to get a 4th class in my schedule, but ended up finding it super interesting! I knew next to nothing about Russian history or literature, but I learned a lot and enjoyed it even though the readings were a lot sometimes. Many of the things we read and films we saw have stuck with me a while after the course too.