RUSS 164 - Eurasia: Ethnic Cinema of the Soviet Union and Russia

Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
1 unit(s)

Russia in its various historical incarnations has been a tremendously diverse multi-ethnic country and a quintessential Eurasian entity as it spans both the European and Asian parts of the continent. The courseexplores the rich tradition of Soviet and Russian “ethnic cinema,” i.e. films that center on important aspects of national identity, culture and history of particular ethnic groups, many of which became independent nations after the dissolution of the USSR. Films in question include a variety of genres from major blockbusters to experimental productions and from historical epics to comedies. We also consider some literary texts and relevant historiosophic theories, most notably Eurasianism that emerged in the wake of the Russian revolution and continues to be a productive ideology in the post-Soviet context. Mr. Ungurianu.

Readings and discussions are in English. Open to all classes. Russian majors and International Studies majors see RUSS 264/INTL 264.

Two 75-minute periods.