I. The cultural "classicism" of the time of Ivan IV: unchanging values confront a changing world.

A. Ivan Fedorov, Renaissance Man, finds a home in Ukraine.
B. The writing and re-writing of history: The "Nikon Chronicle" and Stepennaia kniga.
C. Strengthening Orthodox religious values: The Great Menalogion, the Stoglav, and the Domostroi.
D. Moscow as the new Jerusalem.
E. The experiences of Possevino and Rokyta in Moscow.
F. The establishment of the Patriarchate in 1589.

II. Ivan's political, social and economic legacy.

A. The development of serfdom:

1. St. George's Day.
2. "The Forbidden Years".
3. Statutes of limitations.

B. Political crisis and rise of Boris Godunov.
C. The Uglich affair.
D. The end of the "Riurikids" in 1598.

III. Boris "the Terrible" - operatic tragedy?

A. Consolidation of power and making of enemies.
B. Issues of legitimacy and legitimization.
C. Economic crisis accelerated by natural disaster.

IV. The Time of Troubles (Smutnoe vremia): The near death of Muscovy, 1605-1613

V. Reestablishment of the status quo ante?

A. The Romanov election in 1613.
B. Challenges for the new regime.
C. Trying to understand the reasons why.
D. The return of Filaret.
E. Cultural policies for a new century.