Siberia in Russia's Past and Present

This lecture series explores different developmental phases of the Siberian region, the cultures of indigenous peoples, and tragic historical periods ranging from mass deportations to Stalin's labour camp system. Understanding Siberia's history and present-day situation helps clarify Russia's development, politics, and economy.

Lecture schedule:
5.10. The conquest of Siberia - geography and indigenous peoples before incorporation into Russia
12.10. AUTUMN BREAK, NO CLASSES
19.10. Siberia as a zone of deportations and forced labour from Peter the Great to Nicholas II
26.10. Migration to Siberia and minority policies
2.11. Siberia during the revolution and civil war
9.11. Siberia in the early Soviet decades. "The Gulag Archipelago" - the labour camp system and mobilisation economy in Siberia
16.11. Siberia's growing economic importance from World War II to the 1980s
23.11. Siberia today. Oil and gas projects as vital resources for Russia's economy

Lecturer: docent Marina Vituhnovskaja-Kauppala. Free admission.