Russian Area Studies

ANTH 216/ RAST 216 - Prehistory of Central Eurasia Between East and West - A Prehistory of Central Eurasia

Spanning from the Black Sea in the West, to the vast expanse of the Tibetan plateau in the East, Central Eurasia is a critical crossroads of human prehistory. Geographically, ecologically, and culturally diverse, contemporary humans and their ancestors have occupied and moved across this landscape for nearly two million years. This course will engage contemporary and historical research on the populations and cultures that have inhabited this region; from the extinct Paleolithic populations of Denisovans and Neanderthals, to the expansive horse cultures of the Bronze Age. Students will gain an appreciation for this region as a place of contact and wellspring of cultural and technological innovation. In addition to surveying this prehistory, the course will investigate how the ancient past continues to reverberate in the present in surprising ways.

Units: 1
Typically offered: Fall; Every three years
Distributions: Fall, HS - Historical Studies, Not Offered
Also listed as: RAST 216 - Prehistory of Central Eurasia
Notes: :Notes::Prerequisites: None.:Instructor: Van Arsdale

RAST 222 - Firebird! Russian Arts Firebird! The Russian Arts Under Tsars and Commissars

The magical Russian Firebird—with its feathers of pure gold—embodies the creative genius and salvational glory of the Russian performing arts. In this course we will explore Russian ballet, opera, music, theater and poetry, and their place in the culture and history of Russia and the Soviet Union, from the age of Tolstoy to the Putin era, from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to Pussy Riot, the feminist protest group. In addition to larger themes and movements, we will consider the contexts, histories, meanings—and, in some cases, iconic afterlives—of selected works and their masterful creators.

Units: 1
Typically offered: Every other year; Spring
Distributions: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video, Course offered at 2 levels, Fall, Not Offered, RAST - Russian Area Studies Program, Spring
Notes: :Notes: This course is also offered at the 300-level as RAST 322.:Prerequisites: None. Not open to students who have taken RAST 322.:Instructor: Tumarkin

RAST 322 - Firebird! Russian Arts Firebird! The Russian Arts Under Tsars and Commissars

The magical Russian Firebird—with its feathers of pure gold—embodies the creative genius and salvational glory of the Russian performing arts. In this course we will explore Russian ballet, opera, music, poetry and theater and their place in the culture and history of Russia and the Soviet Union, from the age of Tolstoy to the Putin era, from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake to Pussy Riot, the feminist protest group. In addition to larger themes and movements, we will consider the contexts, histories, meanings—and, in some cases, iconic afterlives—of selected works and their masterful creators. Normally open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors who have taken a 200-level unit in a relevant area/subject; additional classwork assigned.

Units: 1
Typically offered: Every other year; Spring
Distributions: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video, Course offered at 2 levels, Fall, Not Offered, RAST - Russian Area Studies Program, Spring
Notes: :Notes: This course is also offered at the 200-level as RAST 222.:Prerequisites: Normally open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors who have taken a 200-level unit in a relevant area/subject. Not open to students who have taken RAST 222.:Instructor: Tumarkin

RAST 350 - Research or Individual Study Research or Individual Study

Units: 1
Typically offered: Spring; Fall
Distributions: Fall, Spring
Notes: :Notes::Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. Open to juniors and seniors.:Instructor:

RAST 360 - Senior Thesis Research Senior Thesis Research

Units: 1
Typically offered: Spring; Fall
Distributions: Fall, Spring
Notes: :Notes: Students enroll in Senior Thesis Research (360) in the first semester and carry out independent work under the supervision of a faculty member. If sufficient progress is made, students may continue with Senior Thesis (370) in the second semester.:Prerequisites: Permission of the department.:Instructor:

RAST 370 - Senior Thesis Senior Thesis