Course code Vēst2102; 2 credit points

Course developer: Inese Runce
E-mail: inese.runce@lu.lv


Course abstract

Course based on the chronological principles. In terms of certain historical period, certain cultural processed are analyzed, paying more attention towards the history of intellectual thoughts and cultural development under different political, economical and ideological circumstances.

Results

Students will gain knowledge of cultural processes in Latvia in 20th century, learn cultural facts and most famous Latvian intellectuals etc.

Course description-general outline

1. The short introduction in the previous development of Latvian culture, especially paying attention towards 19th century and its major aspects. The influence of industrialization in cultural development. The Marxist ideas and its popularity in the Latvian society. The national question and segmented society – a transition from social society to the nationally segmented society. The revolution of 1905 and its influence in culture. The development of secular culture. The celebration of Riga’s jubilee. Art Nouveau in Riga.
2. Culture in Latvia: 1914 – 1920 under the First World War and the revolutions of 1917. The Red terror and the influence of Bolshevistic ideology on cultural processes. The localization of Latvian culture during the Bolshevistic regime. Latvians in the Soviet Russia and their cultural rise and fall in 20s and 30s of 20th century.
3. The development of culture during the independent Latvia: 1920 – 1940. The rise of national culture and national consciousness. Latvian culture in the European and world’s context. The regionalism in Latvian culture. The impact of K.Ulmanis’ coupe on cultural processes.
4. Latvian culture under the Soviet and Nazi occupation power: 1940-1945.
5. The major periods of cultural development during the second period of the Soviet occupation, the main achievements and failures. The impact of Khrushchev’s reform period on culture in Latvia. The national protests and its flash on cultural life. The problem of Church in the Communistic ideology.
6. The culture of Latvian exile in the Western Europe, North America and Australia.
7. Latvian culture during the Third Awakening process. Decolonization and democratization of culture.
8. Cultural processes in Latvia after the re-establishing of independence: 1991 – 2003. Latvian culture in the context of Europe and the problem of globalization. The cultural life of national minorities in Latvia. The search of new identity.