RUSS 25 Introduction to Baltic History and Culture
This course introduces the history and culture of the Baltic region, encompassing Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, via two four-week modules, one based at Vilnius University in Lithuania and the other based at the University of Tartu in Estonia. The course explores history from the prehistoric period (including Baltic and Finno-Ugric folklore and mythology specific to the region) to the present day, with special emphasis on the period of nation-states (from the mid-nineteenth century and through the twentieth century). We examine how the histories and cultures of these countries have been shaped by their peculiar geographical and linguistic circumstances, and their proximity to both Europe and Russia/the Soviet Union. The course will meet twice a week for 1.5h. Each week will feature a different guest speaker, including university colleagues from Vilnius and Tartu universities, but also local experts on literature, cultural history (including Jewish history) and other areas.