Contextualization

The Russian Revolution is a rich and often complex theme. Divided into two main parts - the February Revolution and the October Revolution - this phase of intense change marked the transition from the Russian Empire to what would become known as the Soviet Union. This project will focus more specifically on the influence of two central figures of the Russian Revolution - Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. Although both had a significant impact on the formation of the Soviet Union, their approaches and visions differed in many aspects.

Throughout this project, we will explore several key concepts, including the difference between socialism and communism, the role of the State in managing the economy, the nature of totalitarianism, and the importance of personality cults. Through the lens of the Russian Revolution, these concepts can be explored in a tangible and meaningful way, contributing to a greater understanding of global history.

This period of Russian and world history is not only fascinating but extremely relevant to understanding many of the current challenges faced in politics and economics. By understanding the worldviews of Lenin and Stalin and the impact their policies had, we can begin to understand the foundations of the differences between left and right ideologies, the relationship between power and violence, and the interaction between the economy and politics in general.

Atividade Prática

Title: "Lenin and Stalin: The Russian Revolution in Motion"

Project Objective

The main objective of this project is to investigate and analyze the similarities and differences between the views and methods of Lenin and Stalin during and after the Russian Revolution, and how these leaders shaped the Soviet Union. Students should learn to think critically, researching and debating the complexities and nuances of history.

Detailed Project Description

This project should be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students who, together, will develop a short documentary film and a detailed written report. The documentary and the report should address the following topics:

1. The worldviews and methods of Lenin and Stalin.
2. The difference between socialism and communism.
3. The role of the State in the economy from the perspective of the two leaders.
4. The use of violence and control systems.
5. The development and effects of personality cults.

Required Materials

1. Books and articles for research.
2. Internet access for additional research and for the final project submission.
3. Camera or smartphone for filming.
4. Video editing software.

Step by Step

Step 1: Research and Planning (5 hours)

Groups will conduct detailed research on the topics mentioned above, using the provided sources and any others they wish to use. Take notes on the main points and discussions on each topic, organize ideas, and plan how to incorporate them into the documentary and report.

Step 2: Script and Documentary Production (5 hours)

Based on the research done, groups should create a script for the documentary, and then film and edit it. The duration of the documentary should be a minimum of 15 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes.

Step 3: Report Writing (4 hours)

Parallel to the production of the documentary, groups should write a report, following the structure of: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography. The introduction should contextualize the project and its objectives. The development should detail the points covered in the documentary and how they relate to the studied theoretical concepts. The conclusion should synthesize the project's learnings and the groups' interpretations of the relevance of the topics covered. Finally, the bibliography should list all sources used.

Step 4: Review and Final Submission (3 hours)

Groups should review both the report and the documentary, make any necessary final adjustments, and prepare for submission. Both components of the project should be submitted together.

Project Delivery

Each group must submit the documentary and the report together. The documentary can be submitted in video format or as a link to a video sharing platform (such as YouTube). The report should be a written document detailing the research and production process, and connecting the studied theoretical concepts with the documentary content. This project will help students develop research skills, teamwork, video production, writing, and critical thinking.