06740 - History of Russia

Learning outcomes

The course aims to reconstruct the historical and political evolution of Russia in the modern and contemporary eras, in order to diachronically analyze the continuities and discontinuities in its social, economic, cultural, and identity developments, also in relation to Russia’s role in global dynamics, particularly as a key region at the Euro-Asian intersection. By the end of the course, students will be able to identify the main phases of Russian history; place the country’s political, economic, cultural, and social phenomena within their historical context; critically assess sources; and navigate specialized academic literature.

Course contents

Brief introduction to pre-Mongol Rus’. The Mongol invasion. Russian expansion eastward: Siberia, the Far East, and “Russian” America. Expansion toward the Black Sea, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The formation of the Soviet Union. The post-war Soviet Union. The collapse of the USSR. The Russian Federation. The European Union and NATO seen from the East.

Readings/Bibliography

Aldo Ferrari, Russia. Storia di un impero eurasiatico. Milano 2024.

Aldo Ferrari, Il grande Paese. Studi sulla storia e la cultura russe. Milano 2012

Paul Bushkovitch, Breve storia della Russia. Dalle origini a Putin. Torino 2013.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons using textual material for students.

Assessment methods

Oral exam with registration through AlmaEsami. During the exam the basic knowledge related to the program will be verified; the ability to understand and explain the main problems faced during the lessons will be assessed with discussion and comment on the sources; particular attention will also be paid to the historical development of the discipline.

Solid vision of the subjects presented in the class, knowledge of the related arguments with precision in the terminology, ability in the critical reference to the different aspects of the discipline = highest votes.

Mnenomic knowledge with a correct language but not always consistent and critically argumented = discrete valutation.

Weak preparation, unfitting language, mistakes, incompetence in the bibliographical items, uncritical references = insufficient

Teaching tools

Manuals, videos.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Ognibene