Аннотация

The interest in studying U.S. history in Russia has declined from the Cold War era. The majority of undergraduates who choose today to major in U.S. history are interested in the recent developments (post-World War II or even post-Cold War). As a result the undergraduates' demands do not always correspond to the spheres of academic interest of the faculty. One of the possible solutions is integrative strategy which includes the following: 1) problem-oriented instead of chronological-oriented (more traditional for Russia) approach; 2) dynamic actualization of history which implies understanding current developments through the study of the past experience; 3) comparative approach that can render U.S. experience helpful for other countries, namely Russia; 4) making history the basis for building up theoretical models. The integrative strategy and the possibilities of its application are exemplified in the issues of U.S. mid-nineteenth century territorial expansion.