This module focuses on Russia and its distinctive political systems, from the Russian revolution to Putin’s presidency. In doing so, the module will analyse the defining features of the political regimes of the USSR and post-Soviet Russia. The module will also examine continuities and discontinuities between the USSR and post-Soviet Russia in terms of domestic developments and foreign policies. The module will consider Russia’s relations with other post-Soviet states, especially Ukraine, and their implications for Russia’s domestic politics and international status.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the key pillars of the political systems in the USSR and post-Soviet Russia and their interplay with Soviet/Russian foreign policies
Identify the pattern of continuity and change between the USSR and post-Soviet Russia with regard to domestic developments and foreign policies.
Critically analyse the dominance theories and concepts used to analyse the USSR and contemporary Russia’s politics and Russia’s policy in the post-Soviet space.
Develop in-depth understanding of Russian realities and specificity
Assessment
36027-01 : 1000 word assessment : Coursework (25%)
36027-03 : 3000 word assessment : Coursework (75%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1 x 1000 word essay (25%) 1 x 2500 word essay (75%) Reassessment by failed component