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Imperial
Russia |
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Imperial
Russia |
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Professor Nathaniel Knight
Fahy 347, 275-2178
knightna@shu.edu
Office Hours: Wednesday 2:00-4:00
Course Description Readings Requirements Grading Academic Integrity
From the time of its emergence as a world power in the early 1700s under Peter I to its collapse in 1917, the Russian Empire was an enigmatic presence in the world community. The majesty and grandeur of its court, the stunning wealth of its aristocracy, and the richness of its cultural life stood in jarring contrast with the desperate poverty of the vast majority of its inhabitants, their profound ignorance and backwardness and the fanatical devotion with which small groups of radicals sought to achieve social justice through violent revolution. This course will explore the paradoxes of Imperial Russia, its strengths and weaknesses, sources of cohesion and disarray. Special attention will be focused on the diversity of Russia's population. Other prominent themes will include the theory and practice of autocratic rule, the tension between western enlightenment and indigenous culture, the structures of Russian society and the forms and tactics of opposition to autocratic rule. Readings will include literature, historical interpretations and primary documents. There will be two papers (5 pages), a mid-term and a final exam. Students will also be required to hand in three one-page discussion papers.
The following texts are available for purchase at the bookstore.
Walter G. Moss, A History of Russia, vol 1 to 1917.
A. Pushkin, The Captain’s Daughter and other stories
I. Turgenev, Fathers and Children
A course packet containing additional readings be on reserve in the library and
available for purchase.
Additional required readings (primary sources) will be posted on the course web site.
Attendance is mandatory for all lectures and discussions. You will be held responsible for all material presented in class, including information not readily available elsewhere. Reading assignments must be completed by the date for which they are assigned and you should come to class with questions and observations to contribute to discussion. All written work must be turned in on the assigned due date. If there is an emergency and you need an extension, you must contact me before the work is due. Late papers will be marked down substantially.
In determining your final grade, I will adhere as closely as possible to the following scheme:
Attendence and participation 10%
Discussion Papers
15%
Paper no. 1
15%
Paper no. 2
15%
Midterm
20%
Final Exam
25%
I will keep regular office hours throughout the semester, and I urge you to make use of them to discuss any questions or problem that might arise. Feel free to contract me via e-mail as well.
Standards of academic integrity will be strictly enforced. If you have any doubt or uncertainty as to what these standards are you can refer to the following documents:
N. Knight: Statement on
Academic Integrity
Seton Hall Department of History:
Policy on Academic Dishonesty
Nathaniel Knight modified 1/11/00
