Imperial Russia 1700-1917 module (HY32025)

This module looks at the main developments in Russian history from the reign of Peter the Great to the 1917 Revolution. During that period, Russia established itself as a prominent European and global power, but it also had to contend with the challenges of modernisation and revolutionary activism. Drawing on the latest scholarship, you will learn about these developments, their causes and consequences, along with several aspects of Russia’s state, society, culture and economy during the period. You will also study some of the relevant primary sources for the subject, as the best way of ‘hearing the voices’ and understanding the motives of some of people who directly contributed to the history of imperial Russia. 

What you will learn 

In this module, you will:

• learn about the reforms of Peter the Great 
• consider the growth of the Russian Empire 
• learn about the main features of Russian society and culture 
• look at the reforms of Catherine the Great 
• consider debates about Russia’s identity 
• learn about the Great Reforms of Alexander II 
• learn about the Russian revolutionary movement 
• see the causes of the 1917 revolution 

By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• understand the main developments in Russian history 1700-1917 
• contribute to debates about modern Russian history 1700-1917 
• analyse primary sources from Russian history 1700-1917

Assignments / assessments

​​Coursework (40%) 

• ​A 2,000-word essay 
• ​Tests research skills, critical thinking, and analysis of evidence 

​Written exam (60%) 

• ​A two-hour written exam
• ​Tests knowledge of module themes, synthesis, and historical argument​

Teaching methods / timetable

Each week you will have a three-hour seminar, combining elements of lecture, group work, and discussion in a seminar format. Each week, you will have some required reading for the seminars (including primary sources), along with some questions to think about in connection with the reading. By thinking about the weekly questions, participating in seminar discussions, and by asking your own questions in response, you will deepen your understanding of the topics that we cover. This will also help you to write an effective essay and to prepare for the module exam.