The Russian Idea
The Russian Idea In 1866, poet Fedor Tiutchev claimed “Russia cannot be understood by the mind […] Russia can only be believed in”. This mystical interpretation of Russian history and culture is a common trope employed by scholars, artists, and political actors. But why did this conception emerge, how has it evolved, and why does it hold such appeal? We will explore various iterations of the “Russian Idea” in literature, art, philosophy, and politics. In addition to reading excerpts from influential interpreters (Dostoevsky, Tolstoi, Solovev, Berdiaev), we will explore contemporary official and unofficial Russian discourse. Questions we will consider include: What different iterations of the “Russian Idea” have been offered and how have they been connected to state policy (historical and contemporary)? What relationship exists between cultural/artistic production, philosophical ideas, and politics?
The Russian Idea In 1866, poet Fedor Tiutchev claimed “Russia cannot be understood by the mind […] Russia can only be believed in”. This mystical interpretation of Russian history and culture is a common trope employed by scholars, artists, and political actors. But why did this conception emerge, how has it evolved, and why does it hold such appeal? We will explore various iterations of the “Russian Idea” in literature, art, philosophy, and politics. In addition to reading excerpts from influential interpreters (Dostoevsky, Tolstoi, Solovev, Berdiaev), we will explore contemporary official an …Read more
This course provides great insight into Russian philosophy, history, and literature and spans centuries from the Romanov family into the 20th century. It moves at an incredibly fast pace and the readings are nearly impossible to read in whole. While Prof. Mitchell does lecture at times (notably without slides), most of the class revolves around discussion which can be intimidating given that most members focus on a small part of the reading and in turn raise discussion standards higher than they otherwise would be. Essays are almost entirely outside research and difficult to feel confident on, but Prof. Mitchell seems to grade them fairly. Discussion points need to be earned - do not expect an A. I think this is an extremely valuable course for students already acquainted with European (or Russian) history, but simply too challenging for a first-year seminar.
This course provides great insight into Russian philosophy, history, and literature and spans centuries from the Romanov family into the 20th century. It moves at an incredibly fast pace and the readings are nearly impossible to read in whole. While Prof. Mitchell does lecture at times (notably without slides), most of the class revo …Read more
I'm sure this class would be valuable for students with a particular interest in Russian history and philosophy, but it should not be offered as a first year seminar. The content is quite overwhelming and the professor teaches in a way that may be more accessible to upperclassman but is difficult for freshmen.
flipped classroom model, lots of reading, so much reading, papers, interesting if you like russian history and already know about it but not good for ppl w/o background knowledge or a basis in european history
While this course was quite interesting, it was very fast-paced and seemed a bit out of place for a first year seminar. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more had it been a history class instead, as Prof. Mitchell is clearly extremely knowledgeable, it just didn't really fit in this case. The essays themselves were individual research heavy, but graded fairly and not unreasonably long.
While this course was quite interesting, it was very fast-paced and seemed a bit out of place for a first year seminar. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more had it been a history class instead, as Prof. Mitchell is clearly extremely knowledgeable, it just didn't really fit in this case. The essays themselves were individual res …Read more