Fall 2009

HIS 350L • REVOLUTIONARY RUSSIA-W

Course Description

The revolutionary turmoil of the 1917 Revolutions, and the Civil War the Communists' seizure of power triggered, allow us to examine in depth the political, social, economic, and cultural dynamics at work in early twentieth-century Russia. The Russian Revolution, which began in 1905, provides much of the prism through which we view processes of revolutionary change. Moreover, the mass and variety of scholarly attention lavished on it makes Revolutionary Russia an ideal subject for studying different approaches to history.

This course contains a substantial writing component. During the course of the semester students will write three critical reviews of assigned reading, four-five pages in length each, and a six-page final essay. Be sure to heed my writing tips. In addition, by 1:00 each Wednesday (except for the four classes when essays are due) students will e-mail me four questions dealing with that week's reading.

Grading Policy

The final grade is based on the essays (65%), weekly questions (10%), and classroom participation (25%). Each student is expected to participate fully in class discussions and will be graded on the extent and quality of participation.

Texts

Some of the readings will analyze the revolutionary process. Others will convey the excitement and suffering in the streets. In addition, short documents will be distributed in class. Read, Christopher. From Tsar to Soviets: The Russian People and Their Revolution, 1917-21. Pipes, Richard. A Concise History of the Russian Revolution. Figes, Orlando. A People's Tragedy: A History of the Russian Revolution. Course Packet

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