CEUS U320 0725 Raun
Finland in the 20th Century
This course offers an intensive study of Finnish history in the 20th century, covering political,
economic, social, and cultural aspects of development. After a brief look at historical background
the course will stress the following topics: Russification and the Revolution of 1905; the
establishment of independence and the Civil War; domestic evolution and foreign policy in the
interwar era; the Winter War and the Continuation War; the Paasikivi-Kekkonen Line in foreign
policy and the issue of Finlandization; the postwar economic miracle and the rise of the welfare
state; Finland as a Nordic country and part of Scandinavia; cultural developments, including
literature, art, and music.
Papers and Exams: For undergraduates, a midterm and a final exam (both essay) and a 6-8-pp.
research paper on a topic of the student's own choosing; for graduates, a 6-8-pp. comparative
review of the books, a 15-pp. research paper, and a final exam.
Days and Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 11:15-12:30.