History of Russia, 800-1917: From Kievan Rus to the Bolshevik Revolution (345-1-20)
Instructors
Jeffrey Eric Eden
847/491-7448
Meeting Info
University Hall 121: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
This course explores Russia from its prehistory in Kievan Rus to the dawn of the Soviet period. Major topics will include the Mongol conquests; the rise of Muscovy; the expansion of the Russian Imperial state; its religious and ethnic diversity; serfdom and emancipation; and major developments in the arts and sciences. In class readings, special emphasis will be given to texts produced by authors from the region, and our course materials will include memoirs, poetry, hagiography and art as well as recent historical scholarship.
Learning Objectives
• Use the study and historical contextualization of primary sources to acquire knowledge of Soviet historical phenomena (cultural, economic, intellectual, political, and social practices and their interdependent development over time in their local, regional, and/or global contexts). These authentic Soviet primary sources, and they will be supplemented with secondary sources on Russian culture and history.
• Develop skills of historical analysis using primary sources as well as historiography, including the means to evaluate Soviet sources in their historical context; become acquainted with scholarly historical demonstration, discussion, and debate on Russian culture and society.
• Appreciate the impact of Russian historical developments as demonstrated by and depicted in Russian primary sources; acquire historical perspective on the Eurasian present; consider agency and subjectivity in the context of the times; reflect on the varieties of memory and experience.
• Express the results of primary document analysis effectively and persuasively in written, oral and visual forms by producing written evaluations of Russian sources; crafting presentations offering critical analysis of these sources; and discussion/debating sources and Russian history with colleagues.
Evaluation Method
Short response papers, final essay (3k-4k words), section participation, attendance
Class Notes
Concentration: European, Asia/Middle East
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - Harris Hall L05: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Allison Residential Comm 1021: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - University Library 3722: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM