Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - HIST 335 D100

The Soviet Project (4)

Class Number: 3527

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units, including six units of lower division history.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of the history of the Soviet Union from its creation to its collapse, emphasizing its ideology, culture, role in global politics, and social and economic transformations.

COURSE DETAILS:

Russia in the Twentieth Century

Course Content: This course covers the history of the Soviet Union from its creation to its collapse. Particular emphases will be on the context out of which that state emerged, how it was constructed and maintained, and how it fell apart.

The Soviet Union was not merely a state; it also represented an attempt to forge an alternative civilization – a dream to some and a nightmare to others.  The drama of the Soviet project dominated much of the twentieth century.  In this course, we will trace this drama and its legacy.  We will consider the history of the Soviet Union from start to finish, and look into the USSR’s ideology, culture, social and economic transformations, and role in global politics.

Requirements and Grading:  There will be two essay tests (midterm and final). The remaining portion of the course grade will be based on in-class participation and weekly (or almost weekly) written exercises, aka short response papers (of 2-3 pages each, double-spaced). 

Grading

  • Participation 15%
  • Weekly writing assignments 10%
  • Midterm essay test 35%
  • Final essay test 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Choi Chatterjee, Deborah A. Field, & Lisa Kirschbaum, Russia’s Long Twentieth Century.

Mikhail Bulgakov, Heart of a Dog.

Milovan Djilas, Conversations with Stalin.

These books are available as physical books and 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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Learn more about studing History at SFU:

History areas of study


Why study History?

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.