Topic for Spring 2025: The Great Patriotic War
PREREQUISITES: RUSS 250 or consent of instructor In this course, advanced students of Russian will read, watch, and discuss a variety of materials related to the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945)—one of the most traumatic events in the history of twentieth-century Russia. Students will learn about important battles and heroes of the war, read excerpts from war memoirs, look at examples of wartime propaganda, and watch films. We will pay special attention to the question of cultural memory: how is the war remembered and commemorated today? What role does the state play in such commemorations, and how does the society respond to the state efforts? Students will advance their Russian skills through regular reading, writing, and presentation assignments.