The Soviet Union, the most immense empire in the world, hurtled through the twentieth century, shaping major world events. This course will follow the grand, extravagant, and often brutal socialist experiment from its fragile inception in 1917 through the rule of Lenin, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, and Gorbachev, after which the vast Soviet empire broke apart with astonishing speed. We will contrast utopian constructivist visions of the glorious communist future with Soviet reality. Special emphasis on Soviet political culture, the trauma of the Stalin years and World War II, and the travails and triumphs of everyday life.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: Tumarkin

Distribution Requirements: HS - Historical Studies

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: