This is a difficult exam, but the material is interesting and there are several good books to help prepare you. I read a few of the books on the DANTES fact sheet, but the best was Treagold's "Twentieth Century Russia." I also liked "The First Socialist Society" by Geoffrey Hosking and "The Soviet Colossus" by Michael Kort. Any of these should work.
Thanks for the info I just purchased 20thcentury Russia from Ebay, on your advice. How would you compare the Rise and fall test to the Civil War test difficulty wise? Anybody? Thanks
Rise and Fall of Soviet Communism: A History of 20th-Century Russia http://www.teach12.com/ttc/assets/coursedescriptions/827.asp History of Russia: From Peter the Great to Gorbachev http://www.teach12.com/ttc/assets/coursedescriptions/8380.asp I haven't seen those particular videos, but I have ordered these videos from them and really liked them Biology and Human Behavior: The Neurological Origins of Individuality http://www.teach12.com/ttc/assets/coursedescriptions/179.asp Theories of Human Development http://www.teach12.com/ttc/assets/coursedescriptions/197.asp Peoples and Cultures of the World http://www.teach12.com/ttc/assets/coursedescriptions/4617.asp Physics in Your Life http://www.teach12.com/ttc/assets/coursedescriptions/1260.asp So I think the company is repuatble and the service and quality is very good. Videos go on sale every 3 months or so
I used Kort's Collosus after deciding that Martin Malia's book was too specialized. I also used The Teaching Companies tape lecture course on the rise and fall of the Soviet Union. It's a fine companion to keep you reading. (www.teachco12.com) Together, you should score high on this difficult exam. It's questions make subtle and fine distinctions. -Orson
I just finished Korst Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union, im guessing it isnt going to be enough. I also just ordered Twentieth Century Russia on the recomendation of AnthonyM, I hope that will be enough. I would like to try to get ready for the test and take it 2 weeks from now. I crammed for the Civil war and Reconstruction test in 2 weeks and I feel that I did well on it. How would anyone compare the two tests? The videos and audio tapes would be a good aid, but im trying to be frugal LOL Thanks for everyones imput