SISRE 243

Russian Civilization

Autumn Quarter 1998

Instructor:  D. Waugh

e-mail: dwaugh@u.washington.edu

Contact information

SISRE 243 introduces the most important aspects of the Russian historical and cultural experience from early times (approximately the 10th century) to the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. A solid grounding in political, social, and economic history of Russia is essential for an understanding of cultural and intellectual developments. The organization of the lectures reflects this understanding: each of several chronological segments in the course begins with the political/social/economic history before proceeding to the arts and other aspects of culture. The basic textbook for the course and to some extent the lectures will provide the historical framework, but much of the class time will be devoted to discussion of religious, intellectual, and artistic change in Russia.

Please note:  The material on the course Web site is divided into two parts,

I. Course Materials.  To get to the Course Materials Index, click here.  Access to the materials requires that you enter the password you have been given in class.

and

II. Syllabus.

• Prerequisites

• Course requirements

• Important dates

• Assessment and feedback

• Explanation of assignments

                   Quiz sections and Short Essays

                    Map assignment/quiz

                    Mid-term exam

                    Term paper

                    Final Exam

• Required course materials

• Internet resources

• Recommended reading

• Strategies for dealing with the reading assignments

• Schedule of lectures and readings.  This schedule is arranged in "weeks" that end with the Friday quiz sections (the dates of which are given in parentheses). The overall topic for the period between quiz sections is indicated in each case. The assigned readings relating to that material should be completed prior to the quiz section whose date is indicated.

            I (Oct. 2). Introduction, Concepts, Periodization, Geography and Origins

            II. (Oct. 9) Early Rus (the "Kievan state")

            Map quiz is October 14.

            III (Oct. 16) The Culture of the "Kievan period"; Novgorod

            IV (Oct. 23) The Mongols and the rise of Moscow

           V (Oct. 30) Muscovite absolutism

            VI (Nov. 6) Muscovite Culture

            Mid-term exam is Monday, Nov. 9.

            Tuesday, Nov. 10, is a holiday.

            VIII (Nov. 20) Reform and Reaction; the Revolutions of the 20th Century

           X (Dec. 4) Russian Culture in the 19^th Century

           XI   From Realism to Avant Garde  (Classes end Wednesday, December 9)

The take-home Final Exam is due no later than 12 noon, Wednesday, December 16. It should be given to me directly in my office or placed in my mail box in Smith 315. I will be happy to accept papers ahead of the deadline. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself.