This course will provide a history of Russia from its beginnings through the revolution of 1917 (which overthrew the Czar and established a Communist government) and its aftermath and a discussion of four films which relate to that history — Dr. Zhivago (Omar Sharif and Julie Christie), Reds (Warren Beatty and Diane Keaton), Burnt by the Sun, and Battleship Potempkin. History and film classes will alternate with lectures and discussions in each class. The film classes will consider three Anglo/American views of Russian events and one by a Russian filmmaker. The history classes will include a discussion of the relation of Russian history to current events, including the Ukraine war.
This course is offered with the generous support of the Association for Continuing Education.