HI 230 Russia From the Tsars to Putin

Arts & Letters-History. Russia has become a major player once again in the political affairs of the world, generating controversy through its annexation of territory, its intervention in foreign conflicts such as Syria, its resurgent anti-Western nationalism, and its attempts to undermine the integrity of leading Western democracies. Understanding the dramatic sweep of Russia's history helps us to understand the challenges the country faces and poses today. This course will begin with Tsar Alexander II's authoritarian attempts to modernize Russia in the 1860s, explore the Russian Revolution and the resulting coercive utopian project of the Soviet Union, and then study the solutions Russia has embraced to find a post-Communist identity. By reading, analyzing, and discussing texts, you will sharpen your critical reading and analytical skills, your writing skills, and your ability to debate concepts in a group situation. The course will be conducted through lectures, reading, and discussion. Class participation will be a component of the final grade. Crosslisted with HI 320 - students can't take or get credit for one course if they have taken the other.

Credits

3

Distribution

CL,HIS

Offered

At the Discretion of the Dept At the Discretion of the Dept