Nationalism, Socialism, and Gender in Russia, 1800-1950

4 credits · Undergraduate

Nationalism, socialism, and gender defined collective and personal identity in Imperial Russia and the Soviet Union. As writers struggled to position themselves globally, they wondered whether Russia and the Soviet Union belonged to Europe or Asia. They also questioned elite culture amid economic and social oppression. For some, science and art held intrinsic value; others felt they must address social, gender, and ethnic disparity. As socialism arose, so did debate as to which groups deserved greatest protection: agrarian laborers, industrial workers, ethnic minorities, or women. Perhaps, the family itself had to be abolished to achieve true equality. Readings will feature essays, articles, short stories, and novels.