This two-semester seminar examines the history of the Stalin period (1927-1953) and the phenomenon of Stalinism, looking at some of the most important debates among historians regarding the political and social dynamics of dictatorship, bases of support for and forms of resistance against the Stalinist regime, its economic and social priorities, and Stalin’s personal role within the system that came to bear his name. By the end of this course, students will be familiar with the most important historiography on this subject, as well as emerging avenues of research. They will also write their own original contribution in the form of a research essay, based upon primary sources.
Kristy Ironside 