The Russian Revolution ADED11557

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: Short Courses
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Summer
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

The Russian Revolution had a decisive impact on the history of the twentieth century. This course examines the origins, course and legacy of the revolution by looking at the dramatic and violent events which accompanied the fall of the Russian Tsars and the creation of the Soviet Union between 1905 and 1929. Beginning with an overview of Imperial Russia and the problems and challenges it faced, it goes on to look at the growth of revolutionary movements which would eventually lead to the October Revolution of 1917. It lastly examines the bloody civil war (1918-1921) and how the Bolsheviks consolidated their control over the country under Lenin. In a series of talks and discussions students will be invited to reflect on this controversial period of history and its complex legacy.

Timetable

Block 4

2 hours per week for 10 weeks

Wednesday, 19.00-21.00

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

Essay (1,500 words) comparing historical interpretations of the Russian Revolution (75%)

 

5-minute recorded presentation (or 500 word written commentary) comparing contemporary primary sources (25%)

Are reassessment opportunities available for all summative assessments? No

Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below. 

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Explain the key events, causes and consequences of the Russian Revolution

■ Provide an opportunity for students to critically engage with contemporary primary source materials 

■ introduce students to key historiographical debates concerning the legacy of the Revolution

 

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify and describe some of the key events, causes and consequences of the Russian Revolution

■ Analyse and compare contemporary sources

■ Recognise and appraise key historiographical debates concerning the legacy of the Revolution

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.