I will be teaching an eight week Tuesday evening course in March-April 2020 about Peter the Great and the Building of Saint Petersburg at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. Click here for more information and to register.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
When Peter became czar in 1682, Europe was foreign to Russia, an insular and tradition-bound nation. The West fascinated Peter, and he was determined to transform Russia into a great European power. Discover the traditional Russia of Peter’s childhood, his Grand Tour of Europe and his subsequent dream of building St. Petersburg, a new city to match his vision of the country. With images of the city and accounts of his cruel drive to create it, we’ll see how the city emerged as a symbol of his power and of Russia’s hopes.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- Explore the rise of Russia as a world power in the 18th century.
- Understand the impact of Peter the Great on Russia’s past and present.
- Follow the founding of St. Petersburg as the capital of Imperial Russia.
- Examine the role of St. Petersburg in Russia’s relationship with the West.
- Appreciate its influence on Russian culture and society.