Urbanovich rocks. He lived the Soviet Union, so he's basically the expert on the course material. His grading is very lenient, and he really cares about everyone in the class. The lectures can get dry occasionally, but overall he is a really smart guy with a lot to share.

I think the USEM "America Through Russian Eyes" with him. Yuri is an amazing professor and its an honor to learn from someone who lived in the Soviet Union during the Cold War! 2.5 hours at once can sometimes be long, but the class is still really interesting. Yuri values respect, so don't be on your phone, and close your laptop during videos. You only have to write one short paragraph a week of what questions you have, and doing that is half your grade. Also talk a lot and raise your hand and volunteer, he likes that, and he likes to hear your opinions. HE WILL CHALLENGE YOU and make you feel like you are wrong, but that's okay. That's the point. He wants to challenge you on things like "Why do we demonize Putin", etc. The tests aren't too bad, just type up notes in class and I recommend studying in groups and going through his study guides. HE IS A FIRM BELIEVER OF EVEN IF YOU FAIL THE TESTS, YOU CANS ILL GET AN A if you articipated in class and shared your mind. Really interesting class, strongly recommend!

One of the more difficult USEMs. Tests are fairly/easily graded, but you definitely need to have a comprehensive knowledge base to even have a chance at them.

Very engaging professor (honestly one of the best) and course material. Great course to acquire a strong foundation on Eastern European and Russian history. Weekly readings and collaborative group presentations on current events.

A two and a half hour class, although only once a week. It does get long, but Professor Urbanovich has a lot of experience and knowledge in the area. If you have the chance to take his class, DO IT. It's very rare that you'll get the chance to get taught about the Soviet Union by someone who lived there. His teachings can be rather biased, but if you're smart enough to sort that out you should do fine. He's an easy grader when it comes to tests, which aren't really difficult. I definitely recommend doing the reading and participating in class; make sure you upload questions before each class! Overall, if you're interested in the topic it's a must-take course.

This class was just okay- I was expecting a lot more. I came in knowing nothing about Russia or the Soviet Union, and I did come out knowing a lot more, but the process was extremely long and boring. The seminars are 2.5 hours long once a week and this can be a lot when there is not a lot of discussion and Yuri lectures on and on about Russia. This class would have been a lot better if I would have come into it with prior knowledge because he often asked questions that no one in our class knew the answer to. Yuri is a great guy, but his class is just ok.

Best class to fill a 3 credit gap if you need to. The professor is awesome, he's very knowledgeable. Sometimes you may find yourself trying not to fall asleep but eventually you see that you've learned things. Yuri makes you participate and listens to you. It is hard to get him agree to your answer, mainly because he has the information to deny every claim about almost everything. If I ever need a recommendation, I would get from him.

Participation is key. As long as you pay attention and actively participate, there are no problems whatsoever. "Uncle Yuri" is awesome. and hysterical.

As a Georgian growing up in the former USSR, Yuri is THE man to learn Soviet history from. Very friendly and knowledgable. Midterm and Final. Mostly based on what he taught in class. Very fair questions and grading.

I would have to say that Yuri is my all-time favorite professor. He has the cutest accent, overly respects his students and is a very very fair grader. I will take all of his classes at UVA if possible. The class seems hard at first, but he explains all the readings and never gives you a hard time if you don't read them. Also, the midterm and final are super-curved so everyone ends up with an A or A-, or if you did really badly, with a B. Definitely take this class!