In this introductory seminar, first- and second-year students will become familiar with some of the major events and eras in the history of Russia and its empire through detailed analysis of some of the most important films produced in and about Russia in the past century. Besides being an introduction to Russian history and culture, the seminar aims to get students thinking about the fundamental problems historians grapple with as they reconstruct and represent the past.

We will be asking two different sets of questions about the interaction between history and film in Russia. 1) First, how have films acted as secondary historical sources, i.e. to portray historical reality and disseminate it to a broad public (not only within Russia but internationally)? What are the principal challenges of making and interpreting films about past eras and major historical events? Is there a discernible line between the educational and propagandistic uses of historical films? 2) Second, how can films (not only “historical” films but more broadly) be used as primary sources for understanding Russia’s 20^th- and 21^st-century history? What exactly can they tell us about Russian/Soviet society that other sources cannot, or not as effectively?

No exams will be given. No previous knowledge of Russian history, culture, or language is required.  The course fulfills the Second Writing Requirement.  Grades are based on class participation and three papers in which students will write on films in the syllabus as well as films they find on their own.

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