History of Russia, 800-1917: From Kievan Rus to the Bolshevik Revolution (345-1-20)

Instructors

Jeff Eden
847/491-7448

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This course explores the history and civilization of 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 historical phenomena;
• Develop skills of historical analysis using primary sources as well as historiography, including the means to evaluate sources in their historical context;
• Express the results of primary document analysis effectively and persuasively in written, oral and visual forms.

Evaluation Method

Quizzes, document collection project, section.

Class Notes

History Major Concentration(s): European, Asia/Middle East
History Minor Concentration(s): Europe, Asia

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area