“Usable past” is a term coined by western historians of Russia to explain contemporary Russians’ preoccupation–nay obsession–with finding out the truth about their past. For example, Russians learned in school that everything was bad “before the Great October Revolution (1917).” When the archives were opened to historians in the late 1980s, Russian historians learned otherwise. This search for an identifiable past comes in many forms: 1) World War II in the Post-Soviet Russia; 2) Civil Society in Late Imperial Russia and during World War I; 3) Medical Care, especially dentistry, pharmacy and pharmaceutical industry; 4) Marginal People, including those with disabilities and minorities; and 5) Business in Imperial Russia–and the USSR. Dr. Conroy’s worldwide acclaim for this topic will add scope and depth to your knowledge of this mysterious country that has been both our friend and our foe.
REQUIRED READING:
Prof. Conroy has a book by a Russia historian that she can sell in class for a minimal amount–proceeds to the Russian historian.