Russian History

L39 356 20th Century Russian History (3 units)
A survey of Russian history from 1900 to the present. The course emphasizes the Russian Revolutions at the beginning and end of the century; Stalinism; de-Stalinization; and post-communist society. Much attention will be given to the assumptions and conclusions of schools of historical analysis: Marxist, totalitarinism, Kremlinologist, and revisionist. This course satisfies the modern course requirement for history majors.

L39 3880 The Russian Revolution (3 units)
The "Ten Days that Shook the World" divided Russian, European, and American society from 1917 until the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. This seminar will examine major interpretations of the Russian Revolution through readings and a series of written exercises including a formal book review, a comparative essay, and an analytical research paper. Previous course work in Russian history is not required. This course satisfies the modern course requirement for history majors.

L39 449 Imperial Russia (3 units)
The Russian tsars, from Peter the Great to Nicholas II, built the empire which became the Soviet Union. Now that the USSR is gone, historians focus not only on the governance of the Russians, but also on the fate of scores of nationalities ruled by them. This course also explores the changing reputation of Russia´s rulers, especially of the women rulers of the 18th century, the rise of an intelligentsia committed to radical reform, the fate of millions of serfs, and the government´s efforts to steer a path between Muscovite traditions and a dynamic West. Graduate students may enroll for 4 units; all other students must enroll for 3 units. This course satisfies the modern course requirement for history majors.