HIST 301B(F) Stalin and Stalinism

This course is meant to examine the nature of historical inquiry and different approaches to the past through an exploration of the phenomenon of Stalinism. Classes therefore will be devoted to the critical analysis and discussion of competing interpretations of Stalinism as a whole and of such key aspects of this phenomenon as Stalin's personality, the basis and character of Stalin's power, collectivization and the construction of a planned economy, the origins and role of terror, and the roots and nature of Stalinist culture. Evaluation will be based on class participation and on several short papers based on class readings. Restricted to Junior History Majors.

Hour: W. WAGNER