America and Russia: Empires of the global North

This minor studies how the United States and Russia defined themselves, interacted with Europe, and competed with each other as global cultural empires in the modern period, up until the present day.

Number of EC

30 EC

Start

Study period 1, 2, 3 or 4

Coordinator

Dr Flora Roberts

For study period 1 and 2 you can register between 2 June and 20 June 2025.
For study period 3 and 4 you can register between 3 November and 21 November 2025.

Content

The Minor America and Russia: Empires of the Global North explores the influence of two global powers on Europe. In four interrelated courses, you will examine how American and Russian culture and society developed from European roots into global empires that shaped economics, culture, and society - especially during the Cold War.

You will engage with academic debates on cultural imperialism, competing claims to heritage and civilization, and long-term comparative history. These perspectives help interpret current issues such as global cultural models, climate-driven geopolitical tensions, global conflict patterns and debates over cultural diversity.

The courses include American Century and the making of a Superpower and A Cultural History of the Russian Empire, which introduce the development and identity of both nations; imagining Europe, which explores how these empires constructed Europe as a cultural " other"; and The Cultural Cold War, focusing on their struggle for European influence during the Cold War. 

Note for humanities students: This minor fits well into the first semester of year three and prepares for an exchange with the US or Canada. 


Curriculum

The minor consists of 4 compulsory courses (30 EC). 


Interested in these Masters?

The minor provides substantive preparation for the Master's programmes listed below. It does not guarantee admission, so always check the entry requirements. 


Register

First, check whether you meet the entry requirements. How you register next depends on whether you are already a student at Utrecht University or not.


Contact

With questions or for more information about the registration procedure, please contact the Humanities Student Information Desk.