Agora Foundation Online Intensive -
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Thursday Evenings - September 4 to December 18, 2025
5:30-7:00PM Pacific

Roxana Zirakzadeh 

Andy Gilman​

Sessions will be facilitated by Roxana Zirakzadeh and Andy Gilman.

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May one build their happiness on another's pain?

Anna Karenina was first published in book form in 1878. Tolstoy called it his first true novel. It was initially released in serial installments from 1875 to 1877, all but the last part appearing in the periodical The Russian Messenger. The novel explore the themes of hypocrisy, jealousy, faith, fidelity, family, marriage, society, progress, and passion, as well as the Russian Spirit and the rural connection to land in contrast to the cosmopolitan lifestyles of the major cities. The events in the novel take place against the backdrop of rapid transformations as a result of the liberal reforms initiated by Emperor Alexander II, principal among these were the emancipation reform of 1861, the introduction of elected local governments, the fast development of railroads, banks, industry, the telegraph, increasing rights for woman, the military conflict with the Ottoman Empire, and much more. Acknowledged as one of the greatest novels of all time, the work has been adapted into various media including theatre, opera, film, television, ballet, figure skating, and radio dramas.

“Vengeance is mine; I will repay.”

Online seminars in this series will take place on Thursday evenings, 5:30-7:00PM Pacific Time. Attendees will be mailed the text. Sessions will be facilitated by Roxana Zirakzadeh and Andy Gilman. Groups will be limited to 16 participants and no prior knowledge is required. Teachers will be offered 3 CEU credits for participating. This fifteen-week series is $675. Community of Lifelong Learner subscribers receive a discount of $50 through a refund. Payment options are available.