Topic for Winter 2014: Modern Russian Thought, 1790-Present
The course examines the major intellectual trends, concerns, and debates that have animated Russian public life from 1790 to the present. We will read a variety of works, become acquainted with their authors, and learn about the historical context in which the authors lived and the pieces were written. The primary focus will be on Russian politics, culture, economy, and society. The main aim will be to shed light on the most pressing intellectual questions in Russia’s past and present including themes such as Russian ‘backwardness,’ the drive to modernize Russia, the role of the individual vs. the state and collective, democracy vs. authoritarianism (or even a third way), and Russia’s place in the world.