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Peter Kenez
In this course, Peter Kenez, Professor Emeritus at UC Santa Cruz, explains the events of modern Russian history and introduces its most significant actors—from Vladimir Lenin to Vladimir Putin.
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OpenCourser.com/course/ne20sv/russian
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What's inside
Syllabus
The 9th Century to the 1920s
The Great Patriotic War: Before and After
Reform, Stagnation, Collapse, Rebirth?
Read more
Syllabus
The 9th Century to the 1920s
The Great Patriotic War: Before and After
Reform, Stagnation, Collapse, Rebirth?
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Covers historical figures and events relevant to understanding modern Russia
Offers a comprehensive overview of major eras and developments in Russian history
Taught by Peter Kenez, a highly respected historian specializing in Russian history
Suitable for learners looking to deepen their understanding of Russia's past and present
Covers significant topics such as the Great Patriotic War, reforms, and the collapse of the Soviet Union
May require prior knowledge or interest in Russian history for full appreciation
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Reviews summary
Modern russian history overview
According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and well-structured overview of Russian history from Lenin to Putin. Many highlight the exceptional expertise of Professor Kenez, whose lectures are described as engaging and insightful. Students appreciated the chronological flow and how the course connects key historical events and figures. While providing a solid foundation, some reviewers note that the pace can feel fast at times, particularly when covering more recent history, and others felt that certain topics could benefit from greater depth. Be prepared for a significant amount of required reading to supplement the video content.
Significant supplemental reading required.
"Be prepared for a significant amount of reading outside the lectures; it's necessary to keep up."
"The suggested readings added great value, but they did require dedicated time."
"Balancing the video lectures and the required readings was challenging at times, but ultimately rewarding."
Pace can be quick; depth varies.
"Sometimes the pace felt a bit fast, especially in the later modules covering more recent events."
"While comprehensive, I felt some topics could have been explored in greater detail."
"It's a great introduction, but don't expect a deep dive into every single event or figure."
Provides a detailed look at the specified era.
"The course provides an excellent, chronological overview of a critical period in Russian history."
"I appreciated how the course connected events from Lenin all the way up to Putin, giving a clear historical line."
"It gave me a solid foundation for understanding modern Russia and its complexities."
"The coverage felt comprehensive for an introductory to intermediate level course."
Professor Kenez's knowledge is highly valued.
"Professor Kenez is an absolute treasure, his lectures are incredibly insightful and bring the history to life."
"I learned so much from the professor's deep knowledge and engaging teaching style."
"His perspective on these complex events was truly enlightening and helped connect the dots across decades of history."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Russian History: from Lenin to Putin with these
activities:
Review Russian History
Show steps
Reviewing key events and figures in Russian history will help you better understand the course material.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
-
Create a timeline of major events in Russian history.
-
Read about key figures in Russian history, such as Vladimir Lenin and Vladimir Putin.
-
Watch documentaries about Russian history.
Review the basics of Russian history
Show steps
Reviewing the basics of Russian history will help you understand the events of modern Russian history better.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
-
Read a book or article about Russian history.
-
Watch a documentary about Russian history.
-
Visit a museum that has exhibits on Russian history.
Attend a workshop on Russian history
Show steps
Attending a workshop on Russian history will help you learn from experts and get a deeper understanding of the material.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
-
Find a workshop on Russian history that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
-
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
-
Take notes on the key points.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Follow a tutorial on Russian history
Show steps
Following a tutorial on Russian history will help you learn about the key events and figures in Russian history.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on Russian history that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
-
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
-
Take notes on the key points.
Participate in a discussion group about Russian history
Show steps
Participating in a discussion group about Russian history will help you learn from others and develop your own understanding of the material.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
-
Find a discussion group about Russian history that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
-
Participate in the discussions regularly.
-
Share your thoughts and ideas with the group.
Explore Online Historical Archives
Show steps
Exploring online historical archives can help you gain a deeper understanding of the events and figures covered in the course.
Show steps
-
Find online historical archives related to Russian history.
-
Follow tutorials on how to search and use these archives.
-
Use the archives to research a specific topic or event in Russian history.
Answer practice questions on Russian history
Show steps
Answering practice questions on Russian history will help you reinforce your knowledge of the material.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
-
Find practice questions on Russian history that are appropriate for your level of knowledge.
-
Answer the questions carefully.
-
Check your answers against the answer key.
Create a timeline of Russian history
Show steps
Creating a timeline of Russian history will help you visualize the key events and periods in Russian history.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
-
Gather information about the key events in Russian history.
-
Organize the events chronologically.
-
Create a visual representation of the timeline.
Create a Historical Podcast
Show steps
Creating a historical podcast episode will help you synthesize and communicate your understanding of Russian history.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific topic or event in Russian history to focus on.
-
Research your topic thoroughly.
-
Write a script for your podcast episode.
-
Record and edit your podcast episode.
-
Share your podcast episode with others.
Read a book about Russian history
Show steps
Reading a book about Russian history will help you gain a deeper understanding of the events and people that have shaped Russia's development.
Show steps
-
Choose a book about Russian history that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
-
Read the book carefully and take notes on the key points.
-
Discuss the book with a friend or colleague.
Write an essay about a Russian historical figure
Show steps
Writing an essay about a Russian historical figure will help you develop your critical thinking and writing skills.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
-
Choose a Russian historical figure that you are interested in.
-
Research the figure's life and accomplishments.
-
Write an essay that analyzes the figure's impact on Russian history.
Review Russian History
Show steps
Reviewing key events and figures in Russian history will help you better understand the course material.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a timeline of major events in Russian history.
- Read about key figures in Russian history, such as Vladimir Lenin and Vladimir Putin.
- Watch documentaries about Russian history.
Review the basics of Russian history
Show steps
Reviewing the basics of Russian history will help you understand the events of modern Russian history better.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a book or article about Russian history.
- Watch a documentary about Russian history.
- Visit a museum that has exhibits on Russian history.
Attend a workshop on Russian history
Show steps
Attending a workshop on Russian history will help you learn from experts and get a deeper understanding of the material.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a workshop on Russian history that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
- Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
- Take notes on the key points.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Follow a tutorial on Russian history
Show steps
Following a tutorial on Russian history will help you learn about the key events and figures in Russian history.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on Russian history that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
- Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
- Take notes on the key points.
Participate in a discussion group about Russian history
Show steps
Participating in a discussion group about Russian history will help you learn from others and develop your own understanding of the material.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a discussion group about Russian history that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
- Participate in the discussions regularly.
- Share your thoughts and ideas with the group.
Explore Online Historical Archives
Show steps
Exploring online historical archives can help you gain a deeper understanding of the events and figures covered in the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online historical archives related to Russian history.
- Follow tutorials on how to search and use these archives.
- Use the archives to research a specific topic or event in Russian history.
Answer practice questions on Russian history
Show steps
Answering practice questions on Russian history will help you reinforce your knowledge of the material.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find practice questions on Russian history that are appropriate for your level of knowledge.
- Answer the questions carefully.
- Check your answers against the answer key.
Create a timeline of Russian history
Show steps
Creating a timeline of Russian history will help you visualize the key events and periods in Russian history.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information about the key events in Russian history.
- Organize the events chronologically.
- Create a visual representation of the timeline.
Create a Historical Podcast
Show steps
Creating a historical podcast episode will help you synthesize and communicate your understanding of Russian history.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific topic or event in Russian history to focus on.
- Research your topic thoroughly.
- Write a script for your podcast episode.
- Record and edit your podcast episode.
- Share your podcast episode with others.
Read a book about Russian history
Show steps
Reading a book about Russian history will help you gain a deeper understanding of the events and people that have shaped Russia's development.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a book about Russian history that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
- Read the book carefully and take notes on the key points.
- Discuss the book with a friend or colleague.
Write an essay about a Russian historical figure
Show steps
Writing an essay about a Russian historical figure will help you develop your critical thinking and writing skills.
Browse courses on
Russian History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Russian historical figure that you are interested in.
- Research the figure's life and accomplishments.
- Write an essay that analyzes the figure's impact on Russian history.
Career center
Learners who complete Russian History: from Lenin to Putin will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Historian
Historian
In your role as a Historian, you might use insights from Russian History: From Lenin to Putin to enhance your understanding of modern Russian culture and politics. For an in-depth knowledge base, you can apply this course's exploration of events from Lenin to Putin toward your historical research and writing.
Political Scientist
Political Scientist
Political Scientists can utilize the information provided by this course to deepen their awareness of 20th century Russian politics. Furthermore, an examination of the figures and events in Russian history will support your own analysis of modern political systems and ideologies.
Journalist
Journalist
Background in Russian History: From Lenin to Putin would inform your reporting on current events in Russia. This knowledge would enhance your ability to provide insightful commentary for your audience.
Museum curator
Museum curator
This course may assist Museum Curators in understanding the historical context behind artifacts and exhibits related to Russian history. By grasping the events and individuals covered in the course, you can engage visitors with a deeper understanding.
Professor
Professor
Russian History: From Lenin to Putin can aid Professors in teaching about 20th century Russian history. The course content can supplement lectures and provide historical context for students.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists may find Russian History: From Lenin to Putin useful in understanding the historical context of documents related to Russia.
Lawyer
Lawyer
This course may be helpful for Lawyers specializing in international law or Russian law. The course provides insights into the legal and political history of Russia, which can be valuable for understanding the legal system and its evolution.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officer
This course can assist Foreign Service Officers in understanding the historical context of Russia's foreign policy. The course content can provide valuable insights into Russia's political culture and its relations with other countries.
Librarian
Librarian
This course can be beneficial for Librarians who specialize in Russian history or politics. The course content can help you build a foundation in Russian history, which is valuable for assisting patrons with research and providing reference services.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Russian History: From Lenin to Putin can be useful to Anthropologists who study Russian culture or society. The course provides a historical context for understanding the development of Russian culture and society.
Economist
Economist
Economists may find Russian History: from Lenin to Putin helpful in understanding the economic history of Russia. The course can provide insights into the factors that have shaped Russia's economic development.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Russian History: From Lenin to Putin can be useful for Sociologists who study Russian society. The course can aid in understanding the historical context of social change in Russia.
Translator
Translator
This course can be beneficial for Translators who work with Russian texts or who specialize in Russian history or politics. The course can provide valuable context for understanding the historical and political references that may appear in texts.
Teacher
Teacher
Russian History: From Lenin to Putin may be helpful for Teachers who teach Russian history or politics. The course content can supplement lesson plans and provide historical context for students.
Writer
Writer
This course can be useful for Writers who are interested in Russian history or politics. The course can provide valuable background information for writing historical fiction, non-fiction, or political commentary.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ne20sv/russian
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Russian History: from Lenin to Putin.
Save
This Russian-language textbook offers a comprehensive overview of Russian history from its origins to the present day, serving as a valuable resource for those who want to engage with the course material in the original language.
This collection of essays by leading scholars offers a wide-ranging and up-to-date overview of Russian history, providing valuable insights and perspectives.
Save
This comprehensive biography of Stalin explores his rise to power, reign of terror, and impact on Soviet society, providing a deeper understanding of this key figure in Russian history.
Save
This biography of Lenin offers insights into his political thought and the development of the Soviet Union, complementing the course's focus on Lenin's role in Russian history.
Save
This Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of Khrushchev provides an in-depth analysis of his leadership, reforms, and role in shaping the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Save
Provides a critical analysis of Putin's presidency, exploring the consolidation of his power, the erosion of democratic institutions, and the challenges facing Russia today.
This comprehensive textbook provides a broad overview of Russian history from its origins to the present day, serving as a valuable reference and supplement to the course.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary Russian politics and society, offering insights into the key issues and challenges facing Russia today.
This collection of readings explores the relationship between culture and power in Russian history, offering insights into the role of ideology, art, and literature in shaping Russian society.
Save
This concise history of Russia offers a clear and engaging narrative, making it a suitable companion to the course for those seeking a more accessible overview.
Provides a concise overview of the Russian Revolution and its key figures, making it a useful background resource for the course.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/ne20sv/russian
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Introductory
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University of California, Santa Cruz
Instructor
Peter Kenez
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