The story of St Petersburg

The rise of St Petersburg, from Tsarism's 'window on the world', to Petrograd which stood at the heart of the 1917 revolution. In World War II, as Leningrad, it became a heroic symbol of resistance to Nazism, and in the 1990s it led the way for the new post-Soviet Russia.

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Key course information

Dates
23/09/11 - 09/12/11

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
12 weeks

Time
13:30 - 15:30

Fees
Full fee: £120
Senior fee: £68
Concession: £32

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HH017

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
humanities@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2652

Course outline

What is the course about?

St Petersburg’s history is full of tensions. As the Romanov capital of All the Russias, it was a city of the arts, architecture and courtly society of great wealth. At the same time, as its industry and trade increased, there was increasing social and political discontent with Tsarist rule. The Revolution ushered in an age of pioneering change, reflected by its new name, Leningrad, and new building and artistic forms, though social and intellectual hardship remained, particularly during the war years and after. The city has reverted to its former name, but how different is the `new’ St Petersburg, in the `new’ Russia?

What topics will we cover?

St Petersburg from the early 18th to early 20th century
Trade and industry
Architecture and the arts
The Revolution and establishment of Leningrad
The Stalin years
Moves towards rapprochement with the west
St Petersburg today – issues of politics and culture.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Identify its significance in cultural and political terms
• Explain the ways the city has been viewed in the West
• Place events and characters in a coherent chronological framework.
• Recognise key features of artistic and cultural developments.
• Navigate your way around historic St Petersburg with greater awareness and understanding.
• Recognise ways of taking your learning and personal interests further.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is an `introductory` course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a reasonable standard of English to keep up with the course and to participate fully in discussions. You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and learning, if you are able and willing to do some supplementary reading. As with most of our courses, an enquiring mind is more important than specific levels of skills.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Classes will be delivered mainly through a mixture of lectures and discussion, illustrated with slides or handouts as appropriate. Materials used will include maps, statistics, speeches, primary and secondary writings (in translation where necessary) and video clips. Students are invited to be active participants in class, and contributions to class will be positively encouraged.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No, but books and other resources will be recommended throughout the course. A good street map will be useful.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

HH019 The story of Andalucia and HH021 The story of New York.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.