School of Politics, International Relations & Philosophy  
 
 
PIR-30142 Modern Russia  
Co-ordinator: Dr Matthew Wyman    Room: CBB2.041, Tel:33756  
Teaching Team: Mr Matthew  West, Mrs Paula  Hughes, Mrs Julie  Street, Mr Scott  McGowan, Miss Laura  Barcroft, Mrs Diane  Mason, Miss Alessandra  Ceccarelli  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 3 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
International Relations Dual Honours (Level 3)
International Relations Major (Level 3)
International Relations Minor (Level 3)
International Relations Single Honours (Level 3)
Politics Dual Honours (Level 3)
Politics Major (Level 3)
Politics Minor (Level 3)
Politics Single Honours (Level 3)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
None
Prerequisites
none

Description

The collapse of the Soviet Union and Soviet communism in 1991 was one of the most dramatic events of the late Twentieth Century. This module explores in detail the politics of the post-Soviet successor states, particularly Russia. It asks what kind of politics has emerged from the wreckage of the communist system, and investigates why the early hopes of rapid moves towards democracy and a more effectively functioning economy have been frustrated.

Topics covered will include: the Yeltsin, Putin and Medvedev presidencies, the oligarchs and the criminalisation of the Russian state, Russian national identity, civil society and its opponents, the wars in the Caucasus and their impact, nationality policy, regionalism and federalism, models of contemporary Russian politics, politics elsewhere in the former Soviet Union, esp. Ukraine and Belarus, Russian foreign policy.

Assessment will involve a student led seminar (30%), a portfolio of seminar related activities (20%) and a long research paper on an aspect of contemporary post-Soviet politics.

Background Reading: Stephen K Wegren and Dale R Herspring (eds), After Putin&©s Russia (4th edition, 2009), available as a full text e-book via Keele library; Stephen White et al (eds), Developments in Russian Politics 7 (2009); Stephen white, Understanding Russian Politics (2nd edition, 2011)
Aims
1. Provide an opportunity to examine in detail the political, economic and social development of postcommunist Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

2. Enhance students' ability to analyse complex and multi-faceted contemporary political issues in the context of uncertainty and shortage of information, and to draw appropriate policy conclusions.

3. To develop a range of verbal and written communication skills
Intended Learning Outcomes
Describe and evaluate competing models of contemporary post-Soviet politics will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Assess the prospects for democratisation and obstacles to democratic development in the former Soviet Union will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Design and implement a class intended for peers will be achieved by assessments: 1
Communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2, 3
Study hours
40 hours preparation for seminars, 20 hours preparation of student led-seminar, 30 hours writing seminar review papers, 60 hours preparation of research report
Description of Module Assessment
01: Presentation weighted 30%
student led seminar
Students in groups of 2-3 will lead an individual seminar session, organise activities and discussion
02: Portfolio weighted 20%
Portfolio of seminar exercises
Students will write 500 word responses to the material in up to four seminars in the form of a blog post.
03: Research Paper weighted 50%
Research paper on aspect of contemporary post-Soviet politics
3000 word essay on an aspect of contemporary post-Soviet politics
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.