Admission requirements
None
Description
This course familiarizes students with the main developments in contemporary Russian politics since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. It provides a unique opportunity to investigate the collapse of a superpower and its aftermath, and examine the relative successes and failures of democratization or authoritarian consolidation in the Russian Federation. By the end of the course students will be familiar with such concepts as democratic transition and regime change; institutional choice; electoral politics, contentious politics and the role of political opposition; state- and nation-building; and hybrid authoritarian regimes. Students will develop a detailed knowledge of the specifics of the Russian polity within the diversity of the post-Soviet political experience.
Course objectives
The objective of this course is to advance students’ knowledge and understanding of developments in Russian politics since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Students will familiarize themselves with key institutions and processes in the contemporary Russian political system. By the end of the course, it is expected that students will be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of Russian domestic politics and identify and assess key institutions and processes in contemporary Russia
Interpret the broader meanings of political developments with reference to appropriate concepts drawn in particular from the field of political science
Critically assess media messages from and about Russia and place them in a broader context of Russian domestic politics
Demonstrate their presentation (written and oral) skills
Timetable
Method of instruction
Lecture/seminar/self-study. During the first meeting, the instructor will explain the structure of the classes and the distribution of study hours.
Course load
Total 280 hours
Lectures: 26 hours
Final exam: 2 hours
Written assignments, presentations, literature: 252 hours
Assessment method
3 x written assignments (45% combined), presentation and participation (10%), final written exam (45%).
Resit: written exam, assignments can be compensated.
Literature
Selected articles and book chapters will be available on Blackboard.
Blackboard
Aanmelden
Via uSis