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Academic Year 2005/2006

Popular Culture in Russia
RUSS 207 SP
Crosslistings:
REES 207

This course is an interdisciplinary survey of Russian popular culture and the changes "perestroika" and "glasnost" brought to it. It will focus on what is new about the Russian cultural scene now, attempt to find the roots of change in the past, understand what is different and what has stayed the same. Major topics will include youth culture (rock music, parties and groups), popular media (TV, newspapers, and film), the arts (theater, art literature). Through literary and historical texts, works of visual art, and film, and lectures by visiting experts, students will be introduced to the social and cultural climate from which perestroika emerged that continues to influence changes in Russian life.

MAJOR READINGS

Xerox packet.
J. Billington, "The Icon and the Axe"
I. Berlin, "Russian Thinkers"
W. Bruce Lincoln "Between Heaven and Hell"
MacKenzie and Curran "History of Russia, Soviet Union and Beyond"

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three papers. One oral presentation, final paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

No prior knowledge of Russian language or history required. Conducted in English.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA RUSS    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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