HIST 251C 1W The History of Russia to 1796
4 credits
Raffensperger, Christian
Russia occupies a unique position between Europe and Asia. This class will explore the creation of the Russian state, leading into the modern period. We will begin with the exploration and settlement of the Vikings in Eastern Europe, which began the genesis of the state known as "Rus'." That European state soon encountered threats from Asia when the Mongols invaded in the thirteenth century. The Mongol invasions changed Russian history and contributed to the "othering" of Russia which has continued to the present day. It also created a situation which leads to the creation of Tsars, Russian emperors who come to dominate their European and Asian territory, eventually leading to the creation of a multi-ethnic empire under Tsar Ivan IV. Ivan's spiritual heirs Peter and Catherine are where we will end the class. The two "greats" dominate the eighteenth century in Russian politics and have a huge impact on the international political scene, changing Russia from the inside out. Class will consist of lecture and discussion (and possibly group projects). Attendance is essential. Students will be expected to complete reading assignments and contribute to class discussion, and to complete all writing assignments on time.
WRITING INTENSIVE
POLI 352 1W Russian Foreign Policy
4 credits
Hudson, Gerry
Prerequisites: POLI 102S, 204H, 251 and Junior or Senior standing
This course examines the development and factors involved in Russian foreign policy, with an emphasis on events since 1991 and on relations with the Central Eurasian nations. 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 the presentation and preparation of a lengthy term paper. 2/08
WRITING INTENSIVE
RUSS 130AC Journey into the Fantastic (Taught in English)
4 credits
Zaharkov, Lila
Taught in English
Join us in this course as each hero/ine takes a journey into a fantastic world! While it may be as "normal"as a hero/ine in a fairy tale on a quest, it might be as fantastic as a journey into the future 600 years from now or maybe to another planet! While journeying into the world of the fantastic, readers will be introduced to the best writers of 19th and 20th century Russian literature who use this medium just for fun, or maybe to discover other truths! No Russian is required! All readings, lectures, and discussion in English. Fulfills either the "A" Fine, Performing, and Literary Arts or "C" Non-Western Cultures General Education requirement.
RUSS 230 01 Topics: Contemporary Social Issues
2 credits
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisites: RUSS 112 or placement.
This course introduces students to Russian texts and develops their proficiency-based reading skills. This new level of Russian language study will use the numerous resources of the world wide web to focus on articles about contemporary Russian society, including music, the youth scene, education, politics, and social values.
RUSS 230 01 Topics: Film and Culture
2 credits
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisites: RUSS 112 or 310 or placement
"It's all in the family!" We will watch and discuss films in Russian that will help us to understand a variety of relationships dealing with romance, family, and friendship from a Russian cultural perspective. Vocabulary and discussion of above topics.
RUSS 330 Advanced Topics: To Russia With Love
2 credits
Zaharkov, Lila
Prerequisites: RUSS 310 or permission of instructor
Did you pack your toothbrush? Toothpaste? How do you say that in Russian? Can you handle an irate salesperson? These are just some of the situations employed to increase your speaking and vocabulary abilities and enable you to deal with everyday life in Russia. Role-play, conversation, and vocabulary acquisition will prepare you for your experience.
