معرفی
John Givens is a Professor of Russian Literature and Religious Studies at the University of Rochester, with affiliations in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering. His work focuses on Russian literature, film, and religious themes, particularly exploring intersections between faith and secularism in Russian culture. Givens has authored seminal works like The Image of Christ in Russian Literature (2018) and Prodigal Son: Vasilii Shukshin in Soviet Russian Culture (2000), and edited Russian Studies in Literature from 1999–2016. His current research includes a monograph on religious anxiety in Russian cinema, analyzing films from the Soviet era to post-secular contexts.
- Teaches courses on Russian literature, language, and film, including Russian Civilization: Myth, Culture, History and Russia Goes to the Movies.
- Recipient of multiple teaching awards, including the Goergen Award and Edward Peck Curtis Excellence in Teaching Award.
Givens’ research interests span Dostoevsky studies, religious iconography in cinema, and translation practices. His articles critically engage with filmmakers like Tarkovsky and Serebrennikov, while his books redefine understandings of Christological themes in Russian literary history. He frequently lectures internationally, including at the Dostoevsky Museum in Saint Petersburg.
In grants and advising, Givens has supported research on Soviet cinema and post-Soviet religious identity. His lab/teams collaborate across disciplines, integrating literary analysis with film studies and theology.
