Time Schedule:
Ali F Igmen
HSTEU 440
Seattle Campus
Communism from its origins in the Bolshevik faction of Russian social democracy to the present, treating the development of the ideology, the various communist parties, and the communist states. Recommended: two history or politics of Europe courses. Offered: jointly with JSIS B 440.
Class description
This course is a history of the Communist movement beginning with its origins in 19th century Marxism and coming down to the present-day transitions to market socialism. It will explore Communism as utopian ideology and a distopian reality and it will pay particular attention to revolutions in Russia, China and Central Europe and Central Asia. The final section of the course will examine the former Soviet bloc in transition and the survival of Communist regimes in China, North Korea and Cuba.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lectures and discussion.
Recommended preparation
A background on European history would be helpful, but not required.
Class assignments and grading
You will read five books and a number of scholarly articles. There will be two exams and two five page response papers.
Participation: 10% Exams: 50% Response papers: 40%
