Imperial Russia Professor Knight Spring 2003 Mid-Term Exam: Review Sheet I.  Content of the Exam. The mid term will consist of three sections: identifications (20 pts) short answers (30 pts), and essay questions (30 pts). For studying you will need your notes from class, the assigned readings and the class outlines, all of which are now posted on the web site. The test will cover the period from the reign of Peter the Great through the end of the reign of Alexander I (including the Decembrists). This corresponds to most of part IV of your textbook (chapters 13-18). II.  Format of the Exam. Identifications. You will be given a list of 8 to 10 terms (people, institutions or events) from the outlines, of which you have to identify four. Your answer should include both the "who, what, where and when" and also an indication of the significance of the term in question: how does it fit into broader topics that we have discussed in class? Why do we bother remembering it? Samples: Nikolai Novikov          Battle of Poltava Hint: Keep in mind that the class outlines contain topics as well as specific terms. When you separate out the general topics, you will find that there really isn't that much to remember. Even so, not all of the specific terms will find their way on to the exam. Here your notes from class should be of assistance. The overall rule of thumb is the more we talk about something in class, the more likely it is that it will appear on the exam. Factual Essays:  You will be given five questions, out of which you will pick three to answer. The questions will address specific issues that we have talked about in class. Your task will be to answer the questions as precisely and concisely as possible. You should expect to write a short to medium length paragraph on each question. Sample: What were some of the measures taken by Peter the Great to foster the spread of European culture among the Russian nobility? Interpretive Essays: You will choose a single question to write on out of a group of two or three. These questions will touch on important interpretive issues to which we have devoted considerable time in class. The questions will provide you an opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned and to organize factual information around a clear interpretative position. Essay questions can come in several varieties: "compare and contrast"; "provocative statements (agree or disagree)"; "you are there"; as well as the more prosaic "what do you think about such and such". The following is an example of the "provocative statement" approach. "Peter the Great inflicted immense pain and suffering on the people of Russia. His wars, repression and grandiose caprices caused thousands upon thousands of unnecessary deaths. But for all the violence of his reign, he actually accomplished very little. All of the major processes of change that he enacted were already underway before he came to power. If enacted in a peaceful and rational manner the reforms would have taken deeper root at less of a cost. Russia would have been better off if Peter had not been born." Agree or Disagree with this statement. Write an essay explaining your reasons.