2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
HIST3650 Stalin and Stalinism
40 creditsClass Size: 16
Module manager: Dr JR Harris
Email: j.r.harris@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2008/09
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
On completion of this module students should be able to:- analyse and evaluate conflicting historical interpretations;
- critically analyse primary source material;
- investigate a historical topic in depth.
Skills outcomes
Further enhances Common Skills listed below:
High-level skills in oral and written communication of complex ideas.
Independence of mind and self-discipline and self-direction to work effectively under own initiative.
Ability to locate, handle and synthesize large amounts of information.
Capacity to employ analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to engage constructively with the ideas of their peers, tutors and published sources.
Empathy and active engagement with alternative cultural contexts.
Plus:
Skills in interpretation and analysis of complex documentary-based material.
Syllabus
Josef Stalin ruled the Soviet Union for over a quarter of the twentieth century. Both he, and the particular brand of socialism which bears his name-Stalinism-have long been the subject of heated historical controversy, made sharper by the confrontational atmosphere of the Cold War. The debates have recently acquired extra impetus with the release of large numbers of secret documents from within the former Soviet Union. The module will make use of these as well as other sources, including film, art and literature, to try to answer questions which remain perplexing: how was Stalin able to rise to power and dominate the USSR? Why were millions of innocent Soviet citizens exterminated during the 'great terror'? How far was Stalin personally responsible for the Terror? How did ordinary Soviet people react to Stalin and Stalinism?
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Seminar | 22 | 2.00 | 44.00 |
| Private study hours | 356.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 44.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400.00 | ||
Private study
Exam preparation; researching, preparing, and writing assignments; undertaking set reading; and self-directed reading around the topic.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Contributions to class discussions, two assessed exercises, an exercise or exercises worth 10% of module marks.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Computer Exercise | Format to be determined by tutor. | 10.00 |
| Essay | 3,000 word written exercise or equivalent to be submitted by 12noon on Friday of the second week of the January examination period. | 20.00 |
| Essay | 3,000 word written exercise or equivalent to be submitted by 12noon on Monday of the May revision week. | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 14/12/2007
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