PROGRAMS
/ MASS MOVEMENTS: FROM PROTEST TO REVOLUTION
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What causes revolution? When does a mass movement become mass protest? Were Russia's revolutions inevitable? Find out this summer with SRAS! |
Mass Movements:
From Protest to Revolution
What causes revolutions? Each seems to be unique. Some are fueled by economic desperation. Others are caused by relative prosperity creating a greater demand for political rights. Sometimes a social minority helps spark a revolution, sometimes a political group, and sometimes technology helps lead the way. Sometimes censorship is blamed – or interference from foreign interests. As protests and revolutions are becoming more common, it is important to understand the complex socioeconomic and sociopolitical phenomenon that is revolution.
Mass Movements: From Protest to Revolution is a unique summer seminar that will examine the Russian Revolution and the fall of Communism as case studies for understanding wider patterns of revolution and protest. The history of these events will be examined in detail. This includes the tsarist government's reaction to an increasingly vocal and violent opposition, how the Bolsheviks came to power, and the multiple factors leading to the dissolution of the Soviet state and the mass movements it sparked. In addition, broader theoretical questions will be discussed, such as what influence diasporas can have from abroad, how the media and NGOs can influence public opinion, and how demographics can ease or exacerbate tensions. What can the masses and government do to make sure dialogue doesn't break down to the point that revolution occurs? Is Russia ready for revolution? Is the US or Western Europe?
Through meetings with experts on the ground at historically-relevant venues in St. Petersburg, Suzdal, and Moscow, participants will gain a deeper understanding of not only the history of the past Russian century, but also a better idea of where today's street protests and revolutions could be taking us.
- Dates and Costs -
Summer, 2012:
July 16 - July 30, 2012 (Apply by April 25, 2012)
Cost: $2 595*
Cost w/ qualifying program: $1 995*
Group Costs: Group of 4: $2395 each*
Group of 10: $2195 each*
- Curriculum -
This seminar consists of two weeks of lectures and events, as outlined below. Exact itinerary and specific topics subject to change. Contact SRAS for more information.
Start: St Petersburg
Topics: Causes of the Russian revolutions of 1905 and 1917; The Bolsheviks' rise to power and the Russian civil war; Similarities in the 1917 Revolution and Perestroika; Nationalism, diasporas, and immigration in forming revolutions; and more.
Venues: Peter and Paul Fortress; Yusupov Palace; Hermitage; Aurora Cruiser; Smolny Institute, Political History Museum, Peterhof; Roundtable discussion with local Russians.
Travel: Suzdal
Topics: The role of the Church and religion; Life outside of Moscow/St. Petersburg; Agrarian reform; income distribution; and more.
Venues: Local monasteries; Russian dinner.
Conclusion: Moscow
Topics: Geography's role in creating modern Russia; Nationalism and Communism in Russia; Power and corruption in Russian politics; The role of the media; International aspects of local revolutions; Youth in political society; and more
Venues: Kremlin; The Museum of the Cold War; meeting with local NGOs, think tanks, and/or youth groups.
Extra: Preparing Global Leaders Summit
Students attending Mass Movements may additionally sign up for the Preparing Global Leaders Summit and receive $500 towards the cost of the Summit. Ask your SRAS consultant for details.
*Costs: Costs include tuition for study, travel, and museum/event admission as outlined, hostel stay, pre-departure materials, local orientation, health and accident insurance (with restrictions), round-trip airport transfers, SRAS in-country support, and use of a mobile telephone for the duration of the program. Does not include cost of airfare to Russia.
*Qualifying Programs Contact SRAS for details on which summer programs qualify.
*Group Discounts are available only to groups who indicate they are signing up as a group at the time of application. Contact SRAS for details.
*Program Objectives: To educate participants through venue-based lectures and discussions about the events of selected Russian mass movements of the past 100 years and to give them a broader understanding of what causes revolutions.
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