131-082 Age of Stalin 1924 - 1953

Usually 12.5 points of first year history, or first year European studies.

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.

A document exercise of 1000 words 20% (due early semester), a tutorial diary of 500 words 10% (due mid semester) and a 2500 word research essay 70% (due at the end of semester).