HIST 439(S) Personality, Society, and Identity in Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Russian Thought
This seminar studies the movements and themes of Russian thought from the Enlightenment to 1917, situating works of Russian philosophy and literature, when appropriate, within the broader context of Western intellectual traditions. We will explore how ideas about human nature and society inspired and gave meaning to political reform, terrorism, and revolution in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and ponder their relevance in Russia today. The course covers themes such as the individual and society, morality and love, and time and eschatology, as well as topics like: the problem of national identity, conservatism and radicalism, the forging of the intelligentsia" tradition, the commercialization of culture, and revolutionary language in 1917. Readings include texts by Pushkin, Belinsky, Dostoevsky, Herzen, Tolstoy, Solvyov, Berdiaev, as well as modernist works (Bely, Blok, Ivanov) and Marxist writings (Plekhanov, Bogdanov, Lenin). We also will read secondary historical literature, watch films, and listen to music in order to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural environment in which our primary sources were written and the ways social ideals and types were disseminated.
Format: seminar. Knowledge of Russian is NOT a prerequisite for this course. Evaluation will be based on class participation, several oral presentations and short preliminary writing assignments, and a final research paper.
No prerequisites. No enrollment limit (expected 5-9). Preference will be given to History and Russian Studies majors.
Group C
Hour: FISHZON