HISTORY OF RUSSIA - ASIAN OR EUROPEAN?

Swedes, Slavs, Finno-Ugric people, Kiev, Turks, Mongols, Kings, Queens, Tsars, and Empires - Russia has a convoluted history from its formation through to its current state under Putin. From a barely significant state on the edge of Europe to a continent-spanning superpower, Russia has forged its own route through ages of enlightenment and industrialization. In this course we consider the notable events in the world’s largest country that shaped it into the nation it is today, known for its political changes of power and upheaval, as much as its varied cultural contributions.

Michael Couch has been teaching community education courses for over a decade. With an academic background in Philosophy, Classical Studies, Education and History, Michael recently completed his PhD in the History of Philosophy of Education in New Zealand. He enjoys learning new topics and incorporates passion and wry humour into all the courses he teaches.