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History: Behind the Iron Curtain
Course details
Course code
Q00013185Course date
Number of classes
9 sessionsTimetable
Tutor
David PriceFee range
How you'll learn
Venue
Rearsby Village Hall (Rearsby)1851 Melton Road
Rearsby
LE7 4YS
Level of study
Entry Levels 1,2,3: If you have never studied this subject before and you’re not confident in your skills, Entry levels are a good starting point.
Level 1: Covers basic skills and knowledge needed for this subject
Level 2: Building on basic knowledge or experience. Similar to Grade 4/ C at GCSE or O level in England or Standards in Scotland.
Level 3: Learn about the topic in-depth and have a broad range of skills. Independent working Equivalent to an A level in England or Higher in Scotland.
Beginners: A perfect introduction if you have no experience and skills in this subject.
Improvers: The next step if you have basic skills or knowledge but want to progress them further.
Advanced: Build on the solid experience and skills you have in this subject, applying your skills and knowledge in a more complex way.
Course overview
Course description
How particular characteristics, cultures and even different political systems in the six countries of Eastern Europe under Soviet control combined to undermine what was the USSR’s protective barrier against the West. We will examine why the Soviet leadership under Josef Stalin believed it was so necessary to control these countries in the first place. Then we will cover the various features of socialism applied here, particularly Marxist-Leninist ideology on the Soviet model, and how this was inculcated into the citizens by various methods, including propaganda and the media and through youth groups and clubs and societies, but also by coercion from secret police organisations. But we’ll see how nationalism and ethnic diversity, cultural differences, economic difficulties, and, in the case of Poland, a more dominant ideology, the Catholic Church, undermined the imposition of the new system, and how dissatisfaction led to rebellions and uprisings and finally the events of 1989. We’ll also look at the different conditions in East Germany and the reasons for the building of the Berlin Wall. We will also consider why Poland was allowed to introduce reforms in 1956, while Hungary’s attempts to bring about change through revolution failed. We will also look at why individual Soviet leaders were so significant over the period.
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What financial support is available?
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We don't want anything to stand in your way when it comes to bringing Adult learning within reach so if you need anything to support you to achieve your goals then speak to one of our education experts during your enrolment journey. Most of our courses are government funded but if you don't qualify or need alternative financial help to access them then let us know.
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What other support is available?
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All of our digital content, teaching and learning activities and assessments are designed to be accessible so if you need any additional support you can discuss this with the education experts during your enrolment journey and we will do all we can to make sure you have optimal access.
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