OSUN Theme: Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Russia Paradox: Political History of the Russian Empire(s)
Term: February 5, 2024 – May 24, 2024Level: 200-Level
Day/Time: Monday; Wednesday 08:30 AM - 09:50 AM EST
Instructor: Victor Apryshchenko, Bard College
What realities, myths, objective patterns, and contradictions are concealed within the notion of the Russian Empire, including its pre-Soviet, Soviet, and post-Soviet incarnations? The country's political history of the last three centuries exemplifies such paradoxes as territorial and political unifications as well as disintegrations; forced Russification as well as ethnic diversity; ideological hegemony and cultural pluralism; blatant corruption, but also charity and compassion.
Credits: 4 US / 8 ECTS