Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - HIST 335 D100

The Soviet Project (4)

Class Number: 4556

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2022
    Thu, 7:00–10:00 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

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.

 

Grading

  • Tutorial participation 15%
  • Weekly writing assignments 20%
  • Midterm essay test 30%
  • Final essay test 35%

NOTES:

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

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Peter Kenez, A History of the Soviet Union from the Beginning to Its Legacy.

Milovan Djilas, Conversations with Stalin.

Shaun Walker, The Long Hangover: Putin’s New Russia and the Ghosts of the Past.

Kenez and Djilas are available in e-format on VitalSource: https://www.vitalsource.com/

Sean Walker’s book is available in e-format on RedShelf:  https://www.redshelf.com/

All these books are also available in physical form.  


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.