RUSS 169 - The Great Utopia: Ideals and Realities of the Russian Revolution (in English)

1 unit(s)

The Russian Revolution of 1917 and the ensuing “Soviet Experiment” had major implications for the global political and ideological landscape of the twentieth century. The revolutionary era also saw an explosive proliferation of bold futuristic visions and utopian projects. The course explores reflections of the Revolution in literature, theatre, film, painting and other arts against a broad historical background. Topics include apocalyptic premonitions of the fin-de-siècle, Russian Cosmism and dreams of earthly immortality, competition among revolutionary ideologies, the art of avant-garde, Agitprop and Proletkult, Constructivism, Socialist Realism, the creation of the New Man, Stalin’s “Empire Style” and return of traditionalism, and a new – and final – wave of revolutionary aspirations during Khrushchev’s “Thaw.” Dan Ungurianu.

Open to all classes. All readings and discussions are in English.

Two 75-minute periods.

Not offered in 2023/24.

Course Format: CLS