Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
EU30101 Russian national option R4: Gorbachev & Perestroika |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Honours |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 33%, ES 67% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: The option aims to provide the opportunity for detailed study of political and social change in the USSR during the years 1985-1991.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit students should be able to demonstrate understanding of: * the origins of perestroika and the evolution of Gorbachev's thinking during the years 1985-91; * the strengths and weaknesses of civil and political society in the USSR 1985-91; * the demise of the USSR and communist party power in 1991. 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. Content: Origins of perestroika; glasnost and democratization; nationalities issues and conflicts; the collapse of communism. Key text: A. Brown, The Gorbachev Factor (Oxford: 1997). |