Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2016 - HIST 419W D100

Problems in Modern Russian History (4)

Russia's Transformations

Class Number: 4182

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 11, 2016: Tue, 8:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2016
    Wed, 9:00–9:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including nine units of lower division history. Recommended: HIST 224 or 225.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Advanced analysis of specific problems in social, intellectual, and political history of modern Russia. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 419W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines several important problems and developments in late Imperial, Soviet, and Post-Soviet Russia. We realize that Russia’s key-problem has always been her slow and often misguided modernization. Hence our main focus will be on Russia’s multifaceted transformations. The most debatable aspects of the economic, political, social, and cultural modernizations will be researched in some detail. We will give a special attention to the origins of Russia’s current problems as well as to the well-known and widely debatable modernization theory.

Grading

  • Contributions to discussions 30%
  • Book Analysis (900-1000 words) 10%
  • Two Presentations (15 min each, 10% + 10%) 20%
  • Two Exams (15% + 25%) 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Contemporary Russian Politics/ Archie Brown

Putin: Russia’s Choice by R. Sakwa

On Library Reserve:
Reform in Modern Russian History/ Theodore Taranovski
Practicing Stalinism by J. Arch Getty

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS