The October Revolution of 1917 brought to power in the debris of the Russian empire a political party committed to the socialist transformation of society, culture, the economy, and individual human consciousness. Less than seventy-five years later, the experiment appeared to end in failure, with the stunning collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991. Using a combination of primary and secondary sources, this course will explore the nature and historical significance of the Soviet experiment, the controversies to which it has given rise, and the forces, processes, and personalities that shaped the formation, transformation, and ultimate collapse of the Soviet Union. Format: discussion with some lectures. Evaluation will be based on class participation, a map quiz, several short papers based on class readings, and a final self-scheduled exam.
No enrollment limit (expected: 25). Open to all. Group B