Summer 2023 - HIST 334 D100

The Making of Imperial Russia (4)

Class Number: 3240

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Jun 19, 2023: Tue, Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 106.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of major themes in Russian history up to the Revolution of 1917, including the emergence of the modern Russian state; the organization of the empire at the center and the periphery; the contest between imperial, national, and religious identities; social, economic, and cultural transformations; and the Russian Empire's involvement in world politics.

COURSE DETAILS:

The Making of the Russian Empire

Content: This is a study of Russia from 1721 to 1917. After a brief consideration of the earlier period of Russia’s development, we will spend most of the semester examining the Russian Empire from the time of its proclamation under emperor Peter I (also known as “Peter the Great”) in the early 18th century until its collapse during the First World War.

On the grander level, we will pay attention to the organization of the empire at the centre and the periphery; the tensions between imperial, national, and religious identities; and debates among the Russians about the destiny of their country and its place in the world. We will examine the Russian Empire’s social and cultural transformations, multiethnic character, territorial expansion, imperial and colonial policies, economic strategies, and role in world affairs. But as we pay attention these broader developments and contexts, we will also look at the lives of some ordinary folks, and ask ourselves: what was it like for them to live in this country?

Grading

  • Tutorial/participation 20%
  • Response papers 15%
  • Midterm 30%
  • Final 35%

NOTES:

There will be four short response papers and two in-class tests (a midterm and a final). Grading breakdown as above. 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Paul Bushkovitch, A Concise History of Russia.
Olga Semyonova Tian-Shanskaia, Village Life in Late Imperial Russia.
Leo Tolstoy, Hadji Murat. Vintage, 2012.
Ivan Turgenev, Fathers and Sons.  Oxford Paperbacks, 2008.

These books are available in physical form and also in e-format on VitalSource. 

https://www.vitalsource.com/


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.