Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
EU30102: Russian national option R5: Politics in post-communist Russia |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Honours |
| Period: | Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 33%, ES 67% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description: | Aims: The main aim of the unit is to develop a knowledge and understanding of change in government and society in Russia since the end of communist rule in 1991, drawing on theoretical perspectives from literature on democratisation as well as from literature that holds Russia to be unique. A second aim is to encourage use of current printed and electronic media sources, in view of the rapid pace of change in Russia, and to develop skills in seminar techniques. A third aim, applying only to students of Russian, is to encourage the location and use of Russian-language materials. Learning Outcomes: Students who complete the unit successfully will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse key issues in Russian politics in a manner which shows that they: * can identify the fundamental features and problems of the evolving political order; * are familiar with the main academic debates and controversies of interpretation in Russian politics; * have acquired a detailed knowledge of the issue concerned by research in academic and current media sources; * are able to communicate their analysis effectively to an intelligent reader in both brief and extended formats. Skills: Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are developed and assessed in this unit. CIT skills are developed in this unit. Content: Political insitutions and actors in Russia in August 1991; dimensions of the crisis surrounding the collapse of Soviet communism; theoretical approaches to transition; reform and political conflict since 1991; dilemmas of foreign and economic policy; the social impact of transition; the 1993 Constitution, the presidency and parliament; political elites; local power; elections and party formation; civil society; political culture; legal order and corruption; federalism and ethnic politics; prospects. Key text: R. Sakwa Russian Politics and Society 4th edn (Routledge: 2008). |