Exploring the Changing Russian City:
A Trans-Siberian Adventure
2009 Exploration Seminar in Russia
Program Director: Christopher Campbell, Ph.D.
Dates of Instruction: August 19 - September 9, 2009
Course Description: Journeying deep into Siberia, the Russian Far East, and Northern China, this seminar will explore the changing world of the trans-Siberian City through the lens of Russian architecture and urban design. As we move eastwards aboard the famous Trans-Siberian railroad, we will trace the historical influence of Russian architecture and design as it spread across the continent. We will also explore how architecture and design continues to shape modern life in these urban centers, and how the changing nature of far Eastern cities reflects much broader political, economic, and social shifts in trans-Siberian life.
 To gain an even deeper understanding of Russian life, we will be joined on our travels by a group of Russian students and faculty from Siberia National University school of Architecture and Civil Engineering. The Russians will help translate the language and the culture as we travel and explore as a single learning community across the vast trans-Siberian landscape.
Intended Itinerary: We will start in Moscow, visiting the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, and other sites. From there, we will fly to the formally closed city of Krasnoyarsk, where we will join with our Russian colleagues and board the Trans-Siberian Railway. Heading east, we will stop in Irkutsk and visit Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest freshwater lake, and then continue on roughly parallel to the Mongolian boarder, stopping along the way in one or two cities (choice depends on student interests and the summer train schedule), until we finally arrive in Vladivostok, on the Pacific Ocean. From Vladivostok, we will head south into China, stopping in the historically “Russian” city of Harbin, and then proceeding on to Beijing. From Beijing, we return to Seattle, thereby circumnavigating the globe.
 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 society, culture or history 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 during summer quarter shortly before we depart. 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.
Accommodations and Special Considerations: Interested participants should note that travel in Russia is not always easy. The trains can be crowded with little private space. Accommodations will often be in dormitories or travelers’ hotels which, while certainly adequate by Russian standards, will often be below American standards. Participants will be expected to carry their own luggage at all times, and must be prepared to walk, sometimes with their luggage, for long distances. Although the personal safety of participants is the, traveling in Russia and China carries inherent risks. Those not prepared for difficult conditions may find this trip challenging.
 Instructor Qualifications: The primary instructor for this course from the American side is Dr. Christopher Campbell, Associate Chair of the Department of Urban Planning and Design. Professor Campbell has made four trips to Russia with university students. On the Russian side, the primary instructor is Dr. Irina Kukina, Professor of Architecture and Planning, Siberia National University. Both faculty led a similar – and very successful! – Exploration Seminar across Russia during summer, 2007.
Course Credits: Participants will earn 5 credits of URBDP 498. Participants should check with departmental advisors to determine how these credits can count towards departmental requirements.
.jpg) Student costs:
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