131-082 Age of Stalin 1924 - 1953

Usually 25 points of first year history, see Prerequisites, or first year European studies, see Prerequisites.

This subject considers several key aspects of Soviet history from the death of Lenin in 1924 to the death of Stalin in 1953. The subject describes the growth of the Soviet state, the move from the New Economic Policy to planned industrialisation and collectivisation of agriculture, the growth of the Red Army, urbanisation and major social transformations. Students will be asked to consider Stalin's role in the political system from archival and other records, not exclusively from myth. They will also be required to consider both the successes of the regime, including victory in World War II, as well as the costs, including political repression.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

Written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.