A brief history of Russia in three parts (corresponding to our three class meetings): prehistoric through Imperial, Soviet, and Modern. Heavy reliance on primary sources (in translation) and vigorous class discussion. We will cover the origins of the Kievan State, the rise of Muscovy, the Tatar Yoke, the great expansions to the South and West under Peter and Catherine, the Revolution of 1917, the Cold War, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and end with the recent conflict in Ukraine.