Russia 1917-2017: History of Realized Utopia



For 80 years, Russia existed in a constant state of attempting to realize the communist ideal. Through these years, the country went through a civil war, Stalinism, the Virgin Lands Campaign, the Space Race, Stagnation, Perestroika. What united all of these events? What is the common thread of Russian and Soviet history? What role did the events of 1917 really play?

To this day, Russian society is divided in its interpretation of many key events of the 20th century. In this course, we will not only grapple with key events in Russian history, but try to understand their political, social, and cultural significance. 1917 cardinally altered life in Russia and significantly influenced global development. It affected people’s whole lives: language, social ties, value systems, as well as new literature, theater, and cinema. The study of Soviet Russia and its unique attempt to achieve utopian, communist ideals can assist in one’s understanding of the texts and subtexts of Russian life, including those reflected in language, literature, and art.