Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

The first half of Russia's twentieth century was violent—four revolutions (1905, February and October 1917, and the Stalin Revolution of 1929 to 1932), two World Wars, an extremely destructive Civil War (1918 to 1921–22 and in some regions to 1931), and a whole range of smaller military conflicts. This atmosphere of violence and flux was reinforced by periodic waves of state terror against a variety of groups (from peasants to bureaucrats, and from the intelligentsia to jazz fans).

This unit explores the society which emerged in this cauldron of upheaval and the transformations of this social system in the less tumultuous periods between Stalin's death in 1953 and the 1980s. The unit focuses on the analysis of a wide variety of primary sources—from statistics and newspaper reports to music and film, from novels and memoirs to secret police reports and citizens' letters.

Credit
6 points
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe and assess the basic methodological issues characteristic of the discipline of History by critically analysing primary sources; (2) identify and evaluate the methodological problems posed by the history of Russia and the Soviet Union; (3) demonstrate a detailed understanding of the history of Russia and the Soviet Union; (4) analyse a wide range of source materials using appropriate methodologies; (5) relate their independent source interpretations to the complex historiographical debates about the history of Russia and the Soviet Union; and (6) present advanced arguments in both written and oral assessments using the conventions of the historical discipline.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) weekly online quiz on assigned readings and content of lectures; (2) participation in workshop teamwork including a 500-word peer assessment of work by the team; and (3) a 3000-word essay. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Mark Edele
Unit rules
Prerequisites
a Level 2 History unit
or EURO2201 European Civilisation
or GEND2902 Men and Masculinities in History
Incompatibility
HIST2238 Russia and the USSR 1900–1992.
HIST3338 Russia and the USSR 1900–1992
Contact hours
26 (lectures: 14 hours
workshops: 12 hours)
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.