Russia in Search of Identity: History, Culture & Politics
The course will examine how Russia, with its history, culture, religion, and arts, positioned itself between East and West. Students will analyze the main paradigms of Russian history that contributed to the ambivalent cultural identity of its peoples, while its vast territory brought about the need to balance strong, sometimes violent, political rule with intense quests for individual freedom and spirituality. Students will examine how this cultural ambivalence is reflected in literature, art, and architecture space. Counts as a course in culture & civilization or literature.