Exploring the Changing Russian City: A Trans-Siberian Adventure
2008 Exploration Seminar in Russia & China

Program Director: Christopher Campbell, Ph.D.
Dates of Instruction: August 19 - September 9, 2008


**THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS**

Course Description: The subject of this course is the Russian city: what it is, why it is, and where it’s going.  We explore the city in several ways: First, by studying the architecture, form and spatial evolution of Russian urban areas; second, by examining the changing social worlds of Russian cities and what these changes tell us about modern Russian social, political, and economic life; and third, by looking at the city as an urban design and planning problem, with a special emphasis on emerging Russian planning practices and policy.

We will explore these topics by journeying deep into the heart of Russia and then out to its furthest reaches. Traveling on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway, we will visit at least four major cities in Siberia and the Russian Far East: Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, and Vladivostok, with a possibility of additional stops in Moscow or St. Petersburg and/or China. We will be accompanied by a similar sized group of students and faculty from Siberia National University school of Architecture and Civil Engineering, who will help with translating and join us in a common educational and exploratory experience.

Course Structure and Requirements: Because this Exploration Seminar focuses in particular on Russian architecture, design, and city planning, students should have some interest in one or more of these topics. Additionally, students with a particular interest in Russian history or culture are also encouraged to apply. Russian language skills are especially appreciated, though not required. To prepare for our journey, all students must attend a four day orientation seminar, which will be scheduled either late in Spring Quarter or the week before our departure, depending on student interest. During the trip, students will be required to complete a research/observation project of their choice and to turn in a final paper, presentation, or other appropriate product at the end of the seminar.

Instructor Qualifications: The primary instructor for this course from the American side is Assistant Professor Christopher Campbell, from the Department of Urban Planning and Design. Professor Campbell has made several trips to Russia. On the Russian side, the primary instructor is Dr. Irina Kukina, Professor of Architecture and Planning, who will be assisted by Professor Valentina Suray, Head of the Foreign Languages Department, both of Siberia National University. All three faculty led a similar – and very successful! – Exploration Seminar across Russia last summer, 2007.

Course Credits
Participants will earn 5 credits of URBDP 498 or CHID 471 Europe Study Abroad (I&S). Participants should check with their advisors to determine how these credits can count towards departmental requirements.

Student costs:  
$2,550 Program Fee
$200 IPE Fee
Additional costs include: Round trip airfare, meals, health insurance, visa, course materials, and personal spending money.

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