Syllabus

Introduction to Russian Cinema

Code
RY1019
Points
10 ECTS-credits
Level
First Cycle Level 1
School
School of Language, Literatures and Learning
Subject field
Russian (RYA)
Group of Subjects
Russian
Disciplinary Domain
Humanities, 100%
This course can be included in the following main field(s) of study
Russian1
Progression indicator within (each) main field of study
1G1N
Approved
Approved by the Faculty School of Language, Literatures and Learning, 06 March 2013.
This syllabus is valid from 06 March 2013.
Revised
Revised, 02 July 2020.
Revision is valid from 02 July 2020.
Discontinued
26 September 2025

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate basic knowledge of Russian film history’s main periods from the 1900s through the present
  • discuss a number of the most significant Russian films, their historical meaning and their cultural influence on Russian film
  • discuss how the fundamental epochs of Russian and Soviet history are reflected in the Russian cinema
  • demonstrate fundamental knowledge of contemporary Russian film
  • give an account of the Russian cinema’s major names and genres.

Course Content

The course provides an introduction to the history of Russian film through the discussion of Russian cinema’s central works in their connection to the major periods of Russian history from the 1900s through the present. The covered periods are the pre-revolutionary years, the first years of Soviet Union, Stalinism, Khrushchev‘s Thaw, Stagnation, Perestroika and the Post-Soviet period. The course also deals with the present state of the Russian film industry. The chosen films will be discussed from cultural, historical and ideological points of view. One of the main purposes of course discussions is to demonstrate how Russian cinema worked as propaganda tool: how the film creators tried to communicate their own message.

Assessment

Students will be evaluated on the basis of their participation in the seminars,oral presentations and an essay.

Forms of Study

English and/or Swedish is used as the language of instruction. Instruction is conducted in seminars and group activities. Additionally the students are expected to see one Russian film with English subtitles per week.

Grades

The Swedish grades U–VG.

Prerequisites

  • General entry requirements (with the exemption of the requirement in Swedish for those with foreign grades) and English 6. Or: English level 2

Other Information

Replaces RY1011.

Revised
2012-11-04 (Main field of study added)
2020-07-02 (literature list removed)