Topic for Winter 2015: 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 periods when the authors lived and the pieces were written. The primary focus will be on Russian politics, economy, and society. The main aim will be to shed light on the most pressing questions of Russia’s past and present including themes such as “backwardness,” the drive to modernize, the power of the individual vs. the state and collective, democracy vs. authoritarianism (or even a third way), the role of religion and the “nationalities question” in a multi-cultural state, Russia’s relationship with the West, and the country’s place in the world.