This is probably one of my favourite classes that I have taken at UCLA. Professor Furman helped to facilitate engaging discussions of the readings, but you really need to make sure you do all (or most) of the readings on time in order to participate in the class discussions because that is how you get a lot of your grade and deepen your understanding of the material. Her two short assignments are 2-page write-ups, which are somewhat difficult since there's so much to cover in so little space, but most of the assignments/grades are fair. I was actually surprised that I enjoyed a lot of the readings! We read a few chapters of The Women's Decameron and I enjoyed the chapters so much that I ended up buying the whole book and reading it for fun a few months later. The first class readings, which mostly revolved around theory, were the most difficult, but it gets better for sure. She provides plenty of help, replies to emails quickly, and gives amazing feedback on papers to help you improve. Definitely would recommend this class and this professor!

By far one of the most interesting classes I've taken at UCLA. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect because I didn't know much about Russian literature (much less Russian women authors) but Professor Furman gave plenty of background to help those of us non-Russian majors understand the context of the readings. Classes are all discussion-based so there are no lectures, and attendance is mandatory. That being said, I found it way more engaging than a typical literature class where a professor drones on about the importance of certain things in the text. Professor Furman loves to hear ideas from students which was really refreshing! I never found the environment intimidating and actually liked the assignments. There were no exams, just an oral presentation, a theory explication (the harder of the two but I did better than expected), and a short write-up on one of the articles she posted online about Russian culture. If you're confused about any of the readings, the theory, or assignments, she's more than happy to answer questions in office hours or by email. Highly recommend taking her and this class!

I honestly didn't know what I was signing up for, but this class turned out to be alright! I can't say that I'm deeply passionate about the subject, but I think it's important and interesting. The first class readings, in my opinion, were hard to understand and it felt intimidating. But the professor does an excellent job of getting across the important concepts, and the more you read and show up, the easier the class will be. I think professor Furman gives back really great advice on papers. She's blatantly fair and very intelligent. Not my favorite class in the world, but hey not the worst.