From Dickens to Chekhov: Professor from HSE University–St Petersburg Delivers Course in Literature for Mexican Students
Renata Goroshkova, Deputy Dean for Research of the School of Arts and Humanities, participated in the Summer School of the Autonomous Popular University of the State of Puebla (UPAEP). Read on to find out why Mexicans are never in a hurry and how Russia and Mexico are both similar and different.
The UPAEP Summer School was devoted to academic intercultural exchange, an introduction to Mexican traditions, and international cooperation. International professors joined the educational process and delivered lectures for local students. The programme included economic, medical, humanities, and social courses. The event gathered over 60 professors from India, Spain, Peru, Argentina, Italy, the UK, Chile, Colombia, Malaysia, the USA, Canada, the Philippines, and other countries.
Among the participants were School of Art and Design professors Ivan Kulikov and Darina Polikarpova and Deputy Dean for Research of the HSE University–St Petersburg School of Arts and Humanities Renata Goroshkova. She delivered a course on classic literature of the 19–20th centuries for 20 students together with her colleague from Mexico—Dr Juan Pablo Aranda, Director of the Institute for the Promotion of the Common Good at UPAEP. The topic was the concept of human dignity.
Juan Pablo Aranda
Director of the Institute for the Promotion of the Common Good at UPAEP
Prof. Renata Goroshkova took us through an amazing voyage where we met with Dostoevsky, Gogol, Dickens, Wilde, Chekhov, and Nabokov, among other classic authors. Her mastery of the materials was beautifully combined with a friendly, enticing conversation with the students, many of whom were amazed by this way of reading literature. Prof. Renata's visit has been a marvellous experience, one that I can only hope will be repeated in the years to come.
The English-taught course included eight lectures and eight seminars. The students explored the works of Charles Dickens, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Gustave Flaubert, Oscar Wilde, Anton Chekhov, and other authors. During one class, Renata Goroshkova suggested an experiment—watching the film Perfect Days directed by Wim Wenders: 'I was curious to see the reaction of the younger generation to a slow film without a convoluted plot or action. There is only contemplation of the world through the eyes of the main character—Hirayama, a toilet cleaner. By the way, professors in Mexico can easily ban students from using their gadgets in the classroom—you can't imagine how easy it is to work in such classes.'
Maria Jose Palomina Rivera studies psychology at UPAEP. She underscored the value of the knowledge received: 'As a student majoring in psychology, I'm interested in analysing issues of human identity, and fictional stories highlight it greatly. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and The Overcoat by Nikolai Gogol are pieces of literature that make us see a lot of social problems and attract me the most.'
Her groupmate Galia Valderrama Solis dived into the authors' humanistic perspective: 'These stories teach valuable life lessons. The classes were very enriching—we immersed ourselves in Russian culture, which is not so widely known or popular in Mexico right now. I would definitely take a similar course again.'
Renata Goroshkova
Deputy Dean for Research of the School of Arts and Humanities
I can't say I knew nothing about Mexico before the trip. Everyone who grew up in the 90s perfectly remembers the popular soap operas, and as an adult, I fell madly in love with Latin American literature. Only after the trip did I realise how similar yet different our countries are. Generally speaking, in terms of geography and ideology, Mexico and Russia are between civilization and an inclination—even passion—to return to our roots, and this influences the perspective on life and world. We, just like Mexicans, very quickly become close with people, easily switch from formal to heart-to-heart communication, and often prioritise holidays and joy.
According to her, one of the differences is the attitude to time: in Latin America, people live at their own pace. 'For instance, after the tour to Teotihuacan, our guide allowed us to explore the pyramids on our own. "You have five minutes," he said. Everyone was disappointed as the distances were long,' shared Renata Goroshkova. 'But don't worry—the concept of "five Mexican minutes" is very relative. Nobody knows whether it lasts twenty normal minutes or even forty.
Another day, I decided to take a transfer to the university. I came on time, got on the bus, and then the fun began—people running late started calling our Latin American colleagues asking them to hold up the bus for them. I decided to say strictly: "Colleagues, this minibus must arrive at the university by the beginning of our classes, and we are already late." At that moment, I heard: 'Pobre Renata, in Latin America, no one comes on time!'
Further plans include a reciprocal visit by Mexican colleagues in March 2026 and the joint conference 'Ethics, Aesthetics, and the Challenges of Higher Education.'
In 2024, HSE University–St Petersburg and the Autonomous Popular University of the State of Puebla signed a letter of intent for cooperation. And now, a delegation from HSE University-St Petersburg is in Latin America on a large-scale academic mission. Representatives of HSE University–St Petersburg have already visited leading Mexican universities: Universidad Panamericana, the National Autonomous University, and the National Polytechnic Institute. On October 3, a meeting took place with the management of the Autonomous Popular University of the State of Puebla. Follow the latest news about the delegation's work on HSE University-St Petersburg's Telegram channel and VK page.