Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace is often called the greatest novel ever written—a sweeping journey through love, loss, and the fate of nations. In this ten-week seminar, we’ll take on this legendary “long and glorious read,” exploring both its epic story and its enduring insight into what it means to be human. Set amid the Napoleonic wars, the novel moves from the battlefields of Europe to the glittering salons of St. Petersburg and the quiet beauty of the Russian countryside. Along the way, we’ll encounter the passions, doubts, and revelations of Tolstoy’s unforgettable characters—and of Tolstoy himself, as he wrestled with history, faith, and meaning. Through lectures, discussion, and excerpts from classic films, we’ll trace the novel’s grandeur and its intimate truths. Join us to experience one of literature’s greatest adventures—and discover why War and Peace still speaks to every generation.
Meet Your Instructor
ADELE BARKER is Professor Emerita of Russian at the University of Arizona, where she taught Russian and Soviet literature and film for more than 35 years. A scholar, writer, and traveler, she has lived and conducted research across Russia and the former Soviet Union, bringing first-hand insight to her teaching and writing. She is the author and editor of five books on Russian literature and popular culture, as well as works of creative nonfiction exploring life and culture abroad. A longtime member of the Humanities Seminars Program faculty, she has taught seven courses that invite students to engage deeply with Russian history, art, and ideas.
Location
POETRY CENTER
Dorothy Rubel Room
1508 E Helen
Tucson, AZ 85721
United States
Located on the SE corner of Helen Street and Vine Avenue, one block north of Speedway and three blocks west of Campbell Ave.
