This course presents an outline of Russian history from one autocratic ruler (Peter the Great) to another (Josef Stalin), showing how it was a period of revolutionary change but also of deep continuity. Though Soviet Russia was very different from the Russia of the tsars, there are clear links between the age of Peter and the age of Stalin.
Course aim
The purpose of this course is to provide an outline of Russian history in the eighteenth, nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries and to enable students to understand the revolutionary changes in the period.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- No skills or experience needed
- This course is suitable for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- understand the major developments in Russian history in this period
- assess the reasons for the profound revolutionary changes that took place in these two and a half centuries
- be aware of the deep continuities in Russian history in this period
- understand the importance of Russia's rise to great power status
How will I be taught?
- The WEA tutor will use a range of different teaching and learning methods and encourage you and the group to be actively involved in your learning
- Lectures will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, reinforced by a class blog. Students will be encouraged to take part in class discussions.
What kind of feedback can I expect?
- A range of informal activities will be used by the tutor to see what you are learning which may include quizzes, question and answer, small projects and discussion
- You will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor
- Students are encouraged to communicate individually through the tutor, either through conversation or through email.
What else do I need to know?
- Nothing else is needed
- It would be helpful if you had access to the internet (Mobile phone, tablet or computer at home or through a library etc.)
Pre-course work, reading and information sources
- No pre reading is required but research on the subject on the internet or in the library may be helpful
What can I do next?
- Progress to another WEA course
- Access the WEA What Next? booklet here http://www.wea.org.uk/learn-wea/what-can-i-do-next
Download full course information sheet
