Tags
WP
Admissions requirements
Theories and Concepts in International Relations or 20th Century Diplomatic History or Power in World Politics or Foreign Policy and Diplomacy.
Description
This course introduces students to the history, politics and government of the Russian Federation. It is divided into three parts. We begin with an introduction to history of Russia but focuses more specifically on the origins, structure and development of the USSR. We also examine the reasons behind its collapse, particularly the impact of Gorbachev’s perestroika. This part of the course is designed to increase your knowledge about the ideas, influences and forces that have shaped the new Russia.
In the second part, the focus turns towards contemporary Russian politics. We examining how the state works i.e. party systems, civil society and human rights, democratisation in theory and practice, the media as well as the nature of post communism, political culture and Russian nationalism.
The third part of the course provides an overview of Russia`s foreign policy and examines the way Russia manages the current insecurity and instability in the Russian and post-Soviet space, with reference to the North Caucasus and Chechnya, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan.
Finally, we explore Russia’s role in the international system. Examples of the themes covered include Russias relations with NATO, as well as Russias role in international crises, among them the Arab Spring, Syria, and Iran.
PART 1: HISTORY
1. Introduction: Political Culture
2. The USSR: origins, structure and development
3. The collapse of the USSR
PART 2: CONTEMPORARY RUSSIA
4. The politics of Russian economic reform
5. The evolution of the executive-legislative relations
6. Russian elections and party politics
7. Civil society and Russia
8. Democracy and Russia
PART 3 RUSSIA’S ROLE IN THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
9. The evolution of Russian foreign policy
10. Centre-periphery relations: Chechnya
11. Centre-periphery relations: CIS and the coloured revolutions
12. Russia and the West
13. Russia and the rest of world
14. Revision
Course objectives
The course is aimed to provide a critical examination of Russian politics and security within world politics. In successfully completing this course, you will:
Understand the key features of the USSR as a political system, the reasons behind its disintegration, and its relevance for understanding contemporary Russia;
Demonstrate knowledge of the key institutions and processes in Russian Politics
Identify competing analytical and ideological approaches for understanding Russian Politics
Conceptualise Russia as a foreign policy actor
Develop key transferable skills of written and oral communication, group working, and the ability to think critically about individuals, processes, events, ideas and institutions in light of the scholarly literature.
Timetable
Once available, timetables will be published here.
Mode of instruction
The course is taught through two-hour seminars. During the course of the seminar students are expected to take part in both large and small group discussions; participate in seminar discussions; present and defend their ideas within an academic setting; and take part in group projects. The role of the instructor is to ensure the efficient running of the discussion. Each seminar has a ‘required readings’ list that must be read in advance of each seminar. Students are also recommended to read some of the items listed under ‘recommended readings’ prior to each seminar and use this extended list as a starting point in their preparation for the course essay.
Assessment
Five elements of coursework constitute the final mark for the course:
In-class participation, 10%
Précis ( 9 short summaries each counting for 3,5%), 32%
Group presentation, 18%
Final exam, 35%
Blackboard
There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.
Reading list
Stephen White, Understanding Russian Politics (2011)
Richard Sakwa, Russian Politics and Society (4th edition, 2008)
Because of the rapid changes in Russia and the former Soviet Union, and because this is 300-level course most of the assigned readings will be from academic journals; however, students will also be provided by a list of relevant and reliable websites to keep up-to-date with recent developments.
Registration
This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Curriculum Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. Beatrix Futak-Campbell.