Course Description

Russian culture from the period of Kievan Rus' to the 1917 Revolution. Designed to increase the student's proficiency in all language skills and to build vocabulary. Conducted in Russian.

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Athena Title

Pre 1917 Russian Culture

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Prerequisite

RUSS 2002 or RUSS 2012

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Semester Course Offered

Not offered on a regular basis.

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Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

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Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will survey the formation of Russian civilization and culture from the 9th through the 19th century by examining historical texts, poetry, films, and artistic works in their historical and cultural contexts.
• Students will assess the development of Russian national consciousness and its influence on historical events, particularly in the 20th century, through critical discussion and written analysis in Russian.
• Students will interpret key historical themes and cultural developments in Russian history by engaging with primary and secondary sources, including literature, visual arts, and film.
• Students will illustrate comprehension of Russian historical narratives and cultural identity through written assignments, oral examinations, and structured debates conducted in Russian.

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Topical Outline

• Early Rus’ (9th–13th centuries) • Eastern Slavs and the origins of Rus’ • The Rurikid dynasty and the formation of Kievan Rus’ • The adoption of Christianity (988) and its cultural impact • Old Russian writing and literature • The rise and decline of Kievan Rus’ • Key historical texts: "The Tale of Bygone Years," "The Tale of Igor's Campaign" Novgorod and the Mongol Invasion (13th–15th centuries) • The Republic of Novgorod and its significance • Trade, governance, and cultural achievements • The Mongol-Tatar invasion and its consequences • Alexander Nevsky and resistance to Mongol rule The Rise of Moscow (14th–17th centuries) • The Grand Duchy of Moscow and the end of Mongol dominance • The role of the Orthodox Church: St. Sergius of Radonezh • Ivan III and the unification of Russian lands • Ivan IV (the Terrible): Reforms, Oprichnina, and expansion • The emergence of the Romanov dynasty Cultural Developments in Muscovy • Book printing and literacy • Daily life in the tsar’s court and among common people • Religious art and architecture: Icons and frescoes (Andrei Rublev) • The Orthodox Church’s role in shaping Russian identity The Russian Empire in the 18th Century: The Age of Enlightenment • Peter the Great: Westernization and reforms • The founding of St. Petersburg • Catherine the Great and the expansion of the empire • The influence of European Enlightenment on Russian thought • Social and political changes: Serfdom and governance Russian Cultural and Scientific Achievements (18th–19th centuries) • The emergence of Russian classical literature: • A.S. Pushkin and the golden age of poetry • L.N. Tolstoy and F.M. Dostoevsky • Music and opera: Tchaikovsky and Shalyapin • The Peredvizhniki movement in painting • Scientific advancements: Mikhail Lomonosov and Dmitri Mendeleev The 19th Century: Wars, Reforms, and Revolution • The Napoleonic invasion and the Patriotic War of 1812 • The Decembrist Revolt of 1825 • The abolition of serfdom (1861) under Alexander II • Political and social unrest leading up to the 20th century Final Reflections • Review of key historical periods and cultural developments • Discussion of Russian national identity and its evolution

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General Education Core

CORE IV: World Languages and Global Culture
CORE IV: Humanities and the Arts

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Syllabus

Select Faculty / Instructor to download syllabus:   Thomason, Olga (40838)

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