Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Co-requisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
None
Description for 2025/26
This module introduces students to scholarly debates about the Soviet Union and contemporary Russia from the Russian revolutions of 1917 to post-Soviet Russia under Putin. It aims to provide students with an analytical toolkit designed to deepen their understanding of the complex patterns and changing dynamics present in Soviet and Russian history, politics, state structures and society. The module is motivated by the growing prominence of `the Russian challenge� issue in contemporary global political debates and is structured around a series of key questions on Russia. As the largest country in the world, Russia holds a significant position in both cultural and political arenas. The module will also examine continuities and discontinuities between the Soviet Union and post-Soviet Russia in terms of domestic politics and foreign relations. The module concludes with a critical discussion on the recent war in Ukraine, and its implications for the global political system.
Aims
This introductory Russian politics module, intended for second-year students. Organized through a series of general questions about Soviet/ Russian history, politics, economy, foreign and domestic policy, the module will introduce students to key analytical approaches and scholarly debates about Russia. The module aims to enhance the knowledge and analytical skills of students in understanding and critically analysing Soviet and Russian politics by studying
� a historical overview of Soviet Union and post-Soviet Russia, focussing on dominant political values and traditions, and on how political institutions were formed in the Soviet period;
� governing structures, institutional interactions, the mechanics of power and foreign relations in the Soviet Union and in post-communist Russia;
� Russia and democracy: obstacles to democracy and individual rights-based system in contemporary Russia.
Intended Learning Outcomes
demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key pillars of the political systems in the Soviet Union and post-Soviet Russia and their interplay with Soviet/Russian foreign policies;
: 1,2
critically analyse the dominant theories and concepts used to analyse the Soviet system and contemporary Russia�s politics and Russia�s policy in the post-Soviet space.;: 1,2
identify the pattern of continuity and change between the Soviet Union and post-Soviet Russia with regard to domestic developments and foreign policies;: 1,2
develop the ability to communicate clearly and effectively about unfamiliar topics in a way that resonates with a non-specialist audience;: 1,2
enhance their communication skills by actively participating in seminars and discussions and by developing the skill of asking thoughtful questions.: 1
Study hours
12 lectures= 12 hours
12 seminars= 12 hours
preparation before class= 24
seminar preparation=. 36 hours
preparation and work for essay= 66 hours
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TOTAL 150 hours
School Rules
None
Description of Module Assessment
1: Presentation weighted 20%
Seminar presentation
Every student is required to make a 10-15-minute seminar presentation in class, which will be supported by approximately 10 slides.
2: Essay weighted 80%
Essay
A 1500-word essay on one of the questions provided by the tutor.