History 3420G:  The Soviet Experiment

The rise and fall of the Soviet Union had a profound impact on European and global affairs. Yet for many, Russia remains an enigma. This course examines the USSR from a variety of perspectives. It looks at the diverse peoples who lived in the USSR, the politics, ideology, economic and social issues, and foreign dimensions that shaped their lives. Drawing on the rich primary and secondary sources available, including statements of key actors, diary accounts, documents, as well as literary and cinematographic depictions, it explores the controversies that continue to shape this historical phenomenon.

Required Texts

Kenez, Peter. A history of the Soviet Union from the beginning to the end 2nd ed. (Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press, 2006)

Remnick, David, Lenin’s Tomb: The Last Days of the Soviet Empire (Random House, paperback, 1993, 1994)

His 3420F Course Packet of Primary Documents (2010)

Evaluation

Assignment                          Grade             Due Date

seminar                                  20%                selected topic

book review                           10%                week 5

class participation                  20%                weekly

essay                                     25%                proposal due week 6

                                                                      essay due week 11

Take Home examination         25%                April 2012

 

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