A lecture series presenting the highlights of Russian literature gives a professor, or teacher, the authority to arrange information as she sees fit. For example, organizing lectures along a timeline beginning in the early 19th century to the contemporary Russian writers gives students a historical perspective. Because a teacher is not beholden to the unpredictability of open discussion in a lecture course, she can create a linear flow to the information presented. This is helpful for presenting pertinent, factual information about the development of Russian literature.
The philosophical ideas presented in many great Russian works, such as Fyodor Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment," give a student fodder for discussion. Discussion formats help a student filter through the meaning of characters, symbolism and literary allusion on his own. This allows the student to create a personal connection with the text and become creatively engaged. Blending lecture and discussion is an effective way to teach literature, because the lecture will give a foundation of information that will support the discussion.
The specifics of a language give meaning to a literary work. Consequently, when a piece of Russian literature is translated into English, some of these specifics may be lost. A professor may chose to illustrate the importance of language by assigning two translations of the same book. Language departments can also arrange a class on Russian literature taught in Russian.
The Internet is a teaching tool that gives both the student and teacher the power to self-educate. A quick search will provide a list of academic journal publications and excerpts from some of Russian's literary masterpieces. A student can use this resource to find research for assignments. A teacher can use the Internet to find contemporary supporting documentation for lectures or even to create assignments. For example, a teacher can assign a student the task of finding a cross-reference to a political event in a different literary text online.