Sex, symbols, gods, devils: teaching Russian and Soviet cultures, gender, and sexualities

Partnership CPD for teachers of Russian and Soviet history at A-level and GCSE

Saturday 15 November, 10am–3pm | Manchester

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(Registration is via Cademy which opens in a new window/tab. Please read the HA CPD terms and conditions before registering)

What did it mean to be a Russian in the time of the Tsars and Soviets?

This one-day event examines the building blocks of Russian identity, asking how people expressed themselves through culture, gender, and sexuality.

These topics are some of the ‘intangibles’ of Russian and Soviet history. Hard to conceptualise and tricky to teach, they are nevertheless important components of major A-level and GCSE history specifications.

If they put you and your students’ head in a spin, then this event is for you!

Join three world-leading academics for talks to reboot your knowledge of Orthodox Christianity, gender and sexuality, and visual art. Trial new pedagogies for teaching Russian and Soviet culture and religion. Explore primary sources to immerse your students in the world of Russian and Soviet sex, symbols, demons, and death.

  • Who is the event aimed at?

    This event is aimed especially at teachers of Russian and Soviet history at A-level, including those teaching: 

    • · AQA units 1H and 2N
    • · Edexcel units 1E and 2C.2
    • · OCR Y219 and Y318
    • · WJEC Unit 3 Option 10

     
    It is also suitable for GCSE teachers of Russian and Soviet history, as well as trainee teachers and others with an interest in Russian and Soviet history education.

  • What are the learning outcomes?

    This event will enable you to:

    • - Understand changes and continuity in Russian religion, visual art, and gender and sexuality in the 19th and 20th centuries
    • - Recognise major historiographical trends for studying these topics
    • - More confidently teach the ‘intangible’ aspects of Russian and Soviet history – religious belief, culture, and attitudes towards gender and sexuality

  • Who are the presenters?

    Dr Alistair Dickins is an experienced A-level and GCSE teacher with a PhD in Russian history and teaches at the Laurus Trust in the North West of England.

    Dr Siobhan Hearne is Wellcome Trust Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, specialising in the history of civil society, humanitarianism, gender, and sexuality in Russia and the USSR.

    Dr Zoe Knox is Associate Professor of Modern Russian History at the University of Leicester, specialising in the religious history of Russia and the USSR.

    Dr Rachel Platonov is Senior Lecturer in Russian Studies at the University of Manchester, specialising in the culture and art of Russia and the USSR.

  • What does it cost?

    The event is charged at £8 for standard tickets, with a limited number of £5 concessions (available for student, trainee, ECT (Years 1 and 2) and unwaged delegates only). Payment is available by card only and all prices are listed inclusive of VAT and booking fees.

    Tea/coffee will be provided but delegates are requested to bring their own lunch.

  • How do I take part?

    The event is taking place in person at the University of Manchester. Book your place now (Registration is via Cademy which opens in a new window)

For any enquiries, please contact events@history.org.uk. Please read the HA CPD terms and conditions before registering.

Programme

10.00–10.10

Welcome and introduction

10.10–11.00

Talk 1: Russian and Soviet religion (Dr Zoe Knox)

11.00–11.10

Break

11.10–12.00

Talk 2: Russian and Soviet gender and sexualities (Dr Siobhan Hearne)

12.00–12.50

Talk 3: Russian and Soviet visual cultures (Dr Rachel Platonov)

12.50–13.30

Lunch

13.30–14.15

Pedagogy session: Visualising propaganda and religion in the classroom (Dr Alistair Dickins)

14.15–15.00

Source analysis workshop (Dr Zoe Knox, Dr Siobhan Hearne, Dr Rachel Platonov, and delegates)

15.00

Concluding comments and thanks