HIS325: Imperial Russia
| Winter 2012 | T 10-12, SS 2105 |
| Assoc. Prof. Alison K. Smith | email: alison.smith@utoronto.ca |
| Office: Sidney Smith Hall, Room 2055 | phone: 416-946-0968 |
| Office hours: W 2-4 |
Course Description:
This course focuses on Russia's history during a period of remarkable change and turbulence, when the country more firmly established its far-flung empire while attempting to define itself as a nation. From the wars and reforms of Peter the Great through the end of the empire during the First World War, the course touches on questions of social and cultural change, and the political events that allowed or constrained them. Furthermore, it examines the ways that the concept of “Imperial Russia”—and of Russia itself—developed in the writings of contemporary and more recent historians and authors
Marking Scheme:
Be warned that plagiarism is a serious offense. Read the university’s policies on academic dishonesty, located at http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/policies/behaveac.htm. In this course, plagiarism (ask if you’re confused about what that means) can lead to failure, not on a single paper, but for the class as a whole.
For more information on avoiding plagiarism, see in particular the University’s information on “how not to plagiarize” at” http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/using-sources/how-not-to-plagiarize.
Furthermore, students agree that by taking this course all required papers may be subject to submission for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers will be included as source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database solely for the purpose of detecting plagiarism of such papers. The terms that apply to the University’s use of the Turnitin.com service are described on the Turnitin.com website.
Unexcused late papers or missed exams are also not acceptable. If you find yourself in dire straits, or anticipate a conflict, discuss the matter with me ahead of time. The night before something is due is not ahead of time. Do not simply fail to turn in a paper and assume I’ll accept something late.
The penalty for late work I have been informed about is three percentage points per day.
One final note: please, when sending me an email, include “HIS325” in the subject line.
Required Texts (available at University Bookstore):
Schedule of assignments/topics:
January 10: Introduction
January 17: Reforming Emperors, Reforming Empresses
Reading: Wortman, Scenarios of Power, Chapters 1-4
January 24: 18th Century Society
Reading: Tolstoy, War and Peace, Volumes I-II
January 31: War and Empire
Reading: Tolstoy, War and Peace, Volumes III-IV
February 7: The Unreformed State
Reading: Wortman, Scenarios of Power, Chapters 5-9
Paper #1 Due Friday, February 10, at 5:00 pm, electronically (through blackboard)
February 14: The Opposition
Reading: Berlin, Russian Thinkers, “A Remarkable Decade”
February 28: The Reforms and Counter Reforms
Reading: Wortman, Scenarios of Power, Chapters 10-16
March 6: Social Change
Reading: Berlin, Russian Thinkers, “Russian Populism” and “Fathers and Children”
March 13: What is Russia?
Reading: Tolstoy, War and Peace, Epilogues
March 20: The End Nears
Reading: Wortman, Scenarios of Power, Chapters 17-22
Paper #2 Due Friday, March 23, at 5:00 pm, electronically (through blackboard)
March 27: Revolution
Reading: Anton Chekhov, Five Plays
April 3: Imperial Russia, Remembered
Reading: Tom Stoppard, The Coast of Utopia