Admission requirements
This is an intensive course, covering 10 EC of material in six weeks of classes from February to March. It is designed for students of Russische studies who have already completed the ‘Inleiding Ruslandkunde’ course and will be studying abroad from April.
Description
This course deepens students’ understanding of developments in the fast-changing world of Russian politics. It moves beyond how the political system is structured to analyse how the system works in practice and explores its apparent slide into increasing authoritarianism. By the end of the course students will be familiar with ideas such as informal power networks, electoral authoritarianism, legitimation strategies, contentious politics and centre-region relations in the Russian context. Students will develop a detailed knowledge of the specifics of the Russian polity within the diversity of the post-Soviet political experience.
Course objectives
By the end of the course students will, through class discussion and written assignments, be able to:
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of contemporary Russian government, political society and sub-national politics, as well as assess their development under Vladimir Putin;
Interpret the broader meanings of these developments and apply appropriate concepts and theoretical paradigms;
Critically appraise current developments in the contemporary politics of Russia.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar. Attendance is mandatory. Absences without good reasons can result in exclusion from examinations.
Assessment method
Assessment
Two written assignments (50% in total)
Final written examination (50%)
In order to pass the course, students must have completed all assessment components to obtain a weighted average of 5.50 (=6) or higher.
Resit
Late submission of assignments without prior agreement for extenuating circumstances will be penalised.
Only the final written examination can be retaken.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
Journal articles, book chapters and appropriate online material will be made available through Brightspace.
Registration
Enrolment through My Studymap is mandatory.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc., contact the Education Administration Office: Reuvensplaats.
Remarks
Students are expected to be familiar with Leiden University policies on plagiarism and academic integrity. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you submit any work with your name affixed to it, it is assumed to be your own work with all sources used properly indicated and documented in the text (with quotations and/or citations).