This course examines Vladimir Nabokov's novels, written both in his "Russian" and "American" periods of creative activity. Special attention is paid to the nature and evolution of Nabokov's aesthetics; the place of his Russian- and English-language novels in the European literary tradition; Nabokov's creative uses of exile to artistic, philosophical and ideological ends; and the implications of the writer's switch from Russian to English as his primary language of artistic expression. Taught in English. All readings are in English. No prior knowledge of Russian literature and culture is required.