Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2018-2019 (archived)

Module RUSS1151: INTRODUCTION TO RUSSIAN HISTORY & CULTURE

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Russian)

RUSS1151: INTRODUCTION TO RUSSIAN HISTORY & CULTURE

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2018/19 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Grade A or above at A-level or equivalent in a foreign European language, or an equivalent qualification.

Corequisites

  • Russian Language 1A (RUSS1161) or Russian Language 1B (RUSS1042).

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • This module provides an interdisciplinary introduction to Russian culture which aims to give students an understanding of the historical development of Russia, while at the same time focusing on the major cultural themes of individual periods.

Content

  • The course is delivered in four parts: 1. From Kievan Rus to Catherine the Great; 2. The 'Long' Nineteenth Century; 3. The Revolutions of 1917 to the Death of Stalin; and 4. The Death of Stalin to the Present Day.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will:
  • acquire a familiarity with the basic outline of Russian cultural history and be able to identify and define distinguishing features and key concepts,
  • become familiar with some of the masterpieces of Russian art, literature and music.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • Lectures will provide information relating to the themes and works under discussion and to their historical and cultural context.
      • Coursework in the form of essays will enable students to acquire skills in analysis and develop their own ideas.
      • Seminars will give students the opportunity to engage in detailed discussion of topics studied.
      • A final examination will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of key concepts and themes, of artistic movements, and of individual works.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 21 Weekly 1 Hour 21 ■
      Seminars 10 Fortnightly 1 hour 10 ■
      Preparation and Reading 169
      Total 200

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Summative Essay Component Weighting: 50%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Summative Essay 2,000 words 100% Yes
      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 50%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      Written Examination 2 hours 100% Yes

      Formative Assessment:

      At the end of the first term students are expected to write a formative essay of 1500 words as practice for the summative to be submitted at the end of the second term.

      ■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University