History 241
Fall, 2001
Mr. Wagner

The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union, 1917-1991

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, the world order, 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 1991.  This course will explore the nature and 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 both the Soviet system and the Soviet Union.  In particular, the course will examine the interaction between political institutions, social structures, economic conditions, ideology, and cultural tradition in the emergence and evolution of the Soviet system and will critically assess the ways in which historians have used these variables to interpret the Soviet experience.

Given the extended period covered, the course cannot provide a comprehensive survey of the entire period.  It therefore is organized around three broad topics:  1) the processes and events that led to and shaped the October Revolution of 1917 and the formation of the Soviet state;  2) the origins and nature of the Stalinist system that emerged from the new regime’s efforts to construct a socialist society;  and 3) post-Stalin efforts to reform the Soviet system, the effects of these efforts, and their contribution to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.  Following this organization, most classes will be devoted to the discussion of key topics and themes, as illuminated by the readings for each class.  Students therefore should arrive in class already having read and reflected on the assignment for that day in order to maximize the benefits of discussion.  A narrative history of the entire period, which students are expected to assimilate on their own, is provided by a main text.

BOOKS

The following books can be purchased at the Williams College Bookstore:

 

G. Freeze, ed., Russia. A History (main text)

R. Wade, The Russian Revolution, 1917

A. Graziosi, The Great Soviet Peasant War

J. Scott, Behind the Urals

E. Kozhina, Through the Burning Steppe: A Memoir

G. Hosking, Awakening of the Soviet Union

R. Daniels, Soviet Communism from Reform to Collapse

In addition, a packet of photocopies should be obtained from the History Department Secretary, Mrs. Swift (310 Stetson), for a charge that partially covers reproduction costs.

REQUIREMENTS

Course requirements include thoughtful participation in each class (15% of the final grade), an hour test and map quiz (20% of the final grade), a short essay based on class readings (20% of the final grade), a second short essay (20% of the final grade), and a self-scheduled final exam (25% of the final grade).  Extensions will not normally be given for papers.

HOUR TEST AND MAP QUIZ: The first two weeks of the course are devoted to lectures and to a close reading of the relevant chapters of G. Freeze, ed., Russia. A History, as well as of parts of some of the other course books.  On Thursday, 20 September, there will be an evening examination (7:30-9:00 p.m. in Griffin 6) on the material covered in the reading and the lectures.  The examination will include a map quiz, for which study maps will be handed out in the first class.  Students are expected to know the basic facts of late imperial Russian and Soviet history (events, ideas, individuals, and themes) as presented in the readings and the lectures.  After the examination, we will return to the Revolutions of 1917 and explore selected topics of Soviet history in depth for the rest of the semester.  For reference, the relevant pages of Freeze will be indicated in parentheses for later classes.

SHORT ESSAY BASED ON CLASS READINGS: In an essay of not more than seven pages, discuss any aspect of the Stalinist “revolution from above” using readings assigned for classes 6-14 (you can use readings from one or several classes).  You are free to define your own topic, and I will be happy to discuss possible topics with you individually.  Whatever your topic, however, your essay should define a thesis and support it using appropriate evidence drawn from the readings, it should make substantial use of primary sources, and it should engage critically with the relevant arguments offered by different authors.  References to course readings should be placed in parentheses within the text (e.g., Scott, 147, or Suny, “Nationalism and Class,” 163).  If other sources are used, full bibliographic information should be given in an endnote or a footnote.  Due in my box in Stetson by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 2 November.

SECOND ESSAY: In an essay of not more than seven pages, discuss any aspect of Soviet history that you consider interesting or important.  You are free to choose your own topic, and I will be happy to discuss possible topics with you individually.  Your essay may be based primarily on class readings, or it may draw entirely on other sources.  Some additional reading, however, is expected.  Whatever your topic, your essay should define a thesis and support it using appropriate evidence, and it should engage critically with the arguments found in your secondary sources.  You should follow the same style of citing sources as described above.  Due in my box in Stetson by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 30 November.

CLASS MEETINGS

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:55-11:10 a.m. (section 01) or 11:20 a.m.-12:35 p.m. (section 02)

FILMS

Four films will be shown in conjunction with the course, and viewing them will be required:

“Harvest of Despair” – Wednesday, 10 October, 4:00 or 7:00 p.m., in Griffin 5

“Solovky Power” – Wednesday, 24 October, 4:00 or 7:00 p.m., in Griffin 5

“Red Star” – Wednesday, 31 October, 4:00 or 7:00 p.m., Griffin 5

“Stalin is With Us?” – Wednesday, 28 November, 4:00 or 7:00 p.m., Griffin 5

OFFICE HOURS

Tuesdays, 2:00-3:45 p.m., Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon, or by appointment, Stetson 310 (ext. 2394)

***NOTE:  This office differs from that listed in the Directory***

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

Have a pleasant and relaxing holiday!!