Spring 2025: February 10 — June 3
Subject: HISTCourse Level: 100
Number of Credits: 4 U.S. / 8 ECTS
Max Enrollment: 22
Schedule: Tue, Thu 18:00 – 19:20 CET (Berlin) | 12:00 – 1:20 PM EDT (New York)
Distribution Area: Historical Analysis
Language of Instruction: Russian
Course Prerequisites: Russian B2 / Equivalent or higher

This course is designed for those who want to understand what archives are, how they work, and how they can benefit researchers and the general public, with a particular focus on the context of Russia. We will start with the basics: what an archive is, the different types of archives, how they are organized, how to work with them, and what makes an archive more than just a bottomless repository but a tool for action and civic engagement. Throughout the course, we will explore the diversity of archives: from state and community archives to family collections, as well as specialized archives such as film archives, literary archives, and archives of cultural institutions.A key focus of the course will be a critical approach to archives: we will examine how archives can perpetuate inequality by reinforcing existing power structures and, conversely, how they can amplify the voices of minorities, supporting struggles for justice and equality. We will also discuss issues of accessibility and the types of research conducted using archival data.One of the key practical components of the course will be working with the RIMA (Russian Independent Media Archive), which collects and preserves materials from independent Russian media over the past twenty years.The course is designed for people with little or no prior knowledge of archival studies. A background in the humanities or social sciences would be helpful but is not required.Participants will explore contemporary approaches to archives and the basics of critically analysing archival practices. They will develop key skills for working with archival collections, with a focus on digital resources. Additionally, participants will work on group projects aimed at creating conditions for professional communities or the general public to engage comfortably with archives, allowing them to apply their knowledge in practice and enhance their teamwork skills.

Guidelines for the Statement of Purpose:
Craft a reflective statement of purpose explaining your interest in the Smolny Beyond Borders online course. The file should be saved with your name and course title as the filename and uploaded accordingly. Your statement’s clarity and substance will significantly influence our selection. Convey your motivations and aspirations for this course succinctly but thoroughly. Kindly write your statement in the course’s Language of Instruction.

Application Portal Instructions:
1) Use the Latin alphabet for all entries on the portal, including your name. If the Language of Instruction is Russian, you may use Cyrillic only within the Statement of Purpose file, and the title of the file should still be in English.
2) Refrain from using email addresses associated with Russian or Belarusian educational institutions.
3) While completing the “Required Information” section, ensure you fill in the “Province” field for your address.
4) Provide an address outside Russia or Belarus in both the “Required Information” and “Geographic Location Confirmation” sections of the “Online Course Application”. This ensures we can send your transcript.
5) You must press the “Sign” button twice during the application.
6) If you hold a bachelor’s degree, select “4th+” in the “Academic Year (online)” section.
7) Applicants either unaffiliated or affiliated with educational institutions in Russia and Belarus should list ‘Smolny Beyond Borders’ as their educational institution.
8) In the student ID section, enter ‘SBB’.
9) Consider drafting your motivation letter ahead of time. Save it as a separate file with this format: LastName_FirstName_CourseTitle for a smoother application process.