European Studies 112 - Russian Empire in Eurasia

(Offered as HIST 112, ASLC 112, EUST 112 and RUSS 130) In the course of almost 500 years, the Russian Empire evolved from a backwater principality at the crossroad of Eastern Europe and Eurasia into one of history’s largest polities. By exploring the evolution of the Russian Empire, we will learn about different peoples and cultures in Northern Eurasia. We will also study how imperial states were built and managed, and how they dealt with human diversity reflected in languages, cultures, confessions, etc. Among the problems that will guide our discussion are colonialism and de-colonization, nationalism, diasporas and transnational connections, state-building and wars, citizenship and migration, interethnic conflict and hybridity, the role of religion and religious pluralism in modern politics and society, and impact of modernization on multi-peopled empires. One theme running through the course focuses on how Russian culture, state and institutions were shaped by imperial experiences. One issue for comparative reflection will be how the experience of the Russian imperial formations contributed to shaping the global history course. Chronologically, we will cover the period between the 7th and the 20th centuries, with heavy focus on the modern period (from the 17th century on). The class discussions will be based on classical and new historical scholarship and will involve analysis of primary historical sources.  Two class meetings per week.

Fall semester. Professor Semyonov.

How to handle overenrollment: Instructor permission.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Close analysis of historical evidence, which may include written documents, images, music, films, or statistics from the historical period under study. Exploration of scholarly, methodological, and theoretical debates about historical topics. Extensive reading, varying forms of written work, and intensive in-class discussions.