HIS 250: History of Russia, 860-1991

Lectures:  11-12 MW, LM 162

Dr. Alison K. Smith  
Office: SS2067 
Office hours: book an appointment here: https://aksmith.youcanbook.me/

TAs:
Ryan Buchanan
Alex Rowlson
           
Course Description:
This course surveys the broad span of Russian history, from the formation of the first “Russian” state to the resurrection of Russia as the Soviet Union fell apart.  The first term moves from the earliest Kievan state, through the rise of Moscow first locally, then on the world stage, and culminates with the Russian victory over Napoleon.  The second term traces the difficulties facing autocratic Imperial Russia in the changing world of the nineteenth century, moves on to the Revolution that brought that state to an end, and finally focuses on the history of the Soviet Union.

Marking:

1. two 4-6 page essay papers (15% each) (one each term)
2. quizzes (20% total)
3. one final exam (30%)
4. tutorial participation (15 %)

You must receive permission from the professor (not the TA) to turn in a paper late.  Following the policy of the Governing Council of the University of Toronto, late work is only accepted in cases “where there are legitimate, documented reasons beyond a student’s control.”

There will be FIVE quizzes given during lecture over the course of the year; your lowest quiz grade will be dropped. THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES. IF YOU MISS A QUIZ, THAT ZERO WILL BE YOUR DROPPED QUIZ.

Tutorials:
Tutorials are an integral part of this course. Please come prepared for tutorials, having read and thought about the biweekly tutorial readings. Your TAs may request additional preparation if they feel it is necessary, and may also give pop reading quizzes if they so desire.

Etiquette:
Email: please use HIS250 in the subject line of your emails to the professor. If you are asking for a meeting because you cannot make any of the scheduled office hours, please suggest at least two possible times for a meeting in your initial email. If you are asking for an accommodation, please be as specific as you can about what you are requesting.

Classroom behavior: a recent study found that people who used laptops during lectures for things other than taking notes did retained less information, and did significantly worse on a test, than those who used paper and pencil.  More disturbingly, those who were fooling around on the web in class also cause those sitting around them to retain less information. Please be aware that your computer use affects not just yourself, but also your neighbors. Also, please be aware that the professor actually notices when you’re checking your phone on your lap.

Plagiarism and Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism is a serious offense.  Read the university’s policies on academic dishonesty, located here. Plagiarism can lead to failure, not on a single paper, but for the class as a whole.

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.

Accessibility:
The University of Toronto is committed to accessibility. If you require accommodations for a disability, or have any accessibility concerns about the course, the classroom or course materials, please contact Accessibility Services as soon as possible: http://www.accessibility.utoronto.ca/

Required Texts:
Textbooks:

• Nicholas V. Riasanovsky and Marc Steinberg, A History of Russia
  

Tutorial Readings:     on-line, or via Blackboard (see below syllabus for direct links)

Schedule of Assignments:

WINTER BREAK

FINAL EXAM DURING EXAM PERIOD