GEOG 250 C/S Russian and Central Eurasian Geography
(4 credits)
Medvedkov
For the first time in all Russian history, geography speaks for itself. After the disintegration of the Soviet Empire, regions are becoming exceedingly important in this highly centralized state. The current government is trying to reestablish control over the regions. Who will win in this geo-political game? Is it possible that Russian regions will become as important as the states in the U.S., or the old centralization trend will prevail? We will discuss it throughout the course. The class will be focused on changing space economy, environmental and population issues, national identity problems, political orientation in different regions of the post-Soviet space. This course is partially web-based, and has a lecture-discussion-project format. Students are expected to complete several map assignments, participate in class and web-based discussions, and to write a final paper on major topics. Web-based framework allows more flexibility: half of the time students will be present in class, and half of the time they will work via web with each other and the instructor.
HIST 251C Russia to 1917
(4 credits)
O'Connor
The history of Russia from the formation of the Kievan state to the collapse of the tsarist autocracy. Primary emphasis is on the relevance of political and social history to the developments in the 20th century. The final grade will be based on class participation, several short papers, a few quizzes and a midterm and final exam . Writing intensive.
POLI 352 1W: Russian Foreign Policy
(4 credits)
Hudson
This course examines the development and factors involved in Russian foreign policy, with an emphasis on events since 1991. One of the major themes of the class will concern an understanding of the nature of the changes taking place in that policy under the Yeltsin and Putin administrations. The transition in foreign policy during the Gorbachev years (1985-91) will also be discussed. The class will consider defense policy, economic policy, and the imperatives of the processes of nation-building and state-building as elements of Russian foreign policy. The class will center about either the presentation and preparation of a lengthy term paper or three "mini" papers, written in response to specific issues.
(4 credits) 2/04
PREREQUISITES: POLI 102 or 204 and Junior standing
Writing intensive.
Russian 105: Russian for Professionals
(4 credits)
Zaharkov
Russian 111: Elementary Russian
(5 credits)
Zaharkov
Afraid of the Russian alphabet? Believe it or not, you already know almost half of it if you know Latin (our) alphabet and a little Greek from being a member of a sorority or a fraternity! After just five days you will be able to read many words that are borrowed from other languages! We use the computer to help us, too! Recent world economic events have convinced us that Russia is indeed an important player in the international economic arena. Don’t be left behind! This course also will teach you how to speak and write Russian while learning the structure of the language. In addition, this course is accompanied by a video program where we follow the adventures of an American who lands in Russia as a roving photographer to learn about the people and the country.
Russian 210/1W: Beginning Conversation & Composition
(4 credits)
Zaharkov
We’re not really beginning conversation and composition if you took Russian at Wittenberg. You know we have already done this during Russian 111 and 112. Don’t worry if you’ve forgotten your Russian over the summer. Second year courses review and refine what you have learned. This course allows you to do this while teaching you to maneuver through such important daily activities as transportation, shopping, and speaking on general themes. The course is supported by video and you will learn much about Russian culture. Writing intensive. Placement exam is given if you did not take Russian 112 here at Wittenberg.
Russian 230: Topics: Reading Russian & the Web
(2 credits)
Zaharkov
You will notice that this course carries 2 credits. This will enable students to take a full course load and yet still keep up with their Russian. This course will teach you reading skills in a foreign language as well as investigating topics on Russian culture using the Web. A final project on the topic of your choice is in lieu of a final exam. Prerequisite: Russian 112 or 106.
Honors 300A/1W: Transitions in Russian Literature: The Search for Self
(4 credits)
Zaharkov
This course examines the transitions-moral, philosophical, political and personal that the protagonists in Russian Literature experienced as Russian society moves into the "Modern Age" and continues to the present day. Five great Russian authors, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Turgenev, Pasternak and Solzhenitsyn portray the various challenges their protagonists faced in the light of the vast changes that have taken place in Russian society from the 1860s. Students who have had significant contact with one of the works assigned (for example, in another college course) may opt to substitute a work by that author. Limited enrollment for RAST majors as space permits. Be prepared to read some great (500 page) novels! Taught in English.
Russian 490: Independent Study
