The Stalin Years: Soviet Russia 1924-1953

Course Summary

A political and cultural survey of Russia during the period of Stalin’s duplicitous and tyrannical regime. Discover how the apparent march towards a socialist utopia with Uncle Joe masked the dreadful truth: a regime held together by deceit, propaganda and terror. Explore how the cult of the leader evolved, while we meet some courageous individuals who survived to tell their tale. 

Your guide is Dr Richard Stone, who has long been intrigued by history and fascinated by human creativity. An extended period of tertiary study produced a Degree in Art History and Music along with Diplomas in Art and Design and in Education, followed by a satisfying 30-year career as a teacher and lecturer in independent schools. Throughout his teaching career, Richard also practised as a painter and photographer and satisfied an urge to travel by developing a program of European study tours. Since the mid-90s, Richard has accompanied more than 20 groups of secondary students and adults to various destinations in search of cultural enlightenment. Richard has been teaching at the CAE since 2016, sharing his enthusiasm for history, literature and the arts through a range of talks.