Soviet Union and Post Soviet Politics (PO9995)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-PSPS

This course introduces students to the politics and government of the post-Soviet states, principally Russia. Format varies each year but follows the following general outline. It commences with theoretical approaches to the USSR, and analysis of the disintegration of the Soviet state and its consequences. It then looks in detail at Russian state and institution-building. Foci generally include party systems, civil society and human rights, democratisation in theory and practice, the nature of post-communism, comparative post-Soviet government and the international relations of the post-Soviet states. Assessment: one 4,000-word essay.

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Postgraduate (School of Social and Political Studies), (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 10 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, it is expected that students will be able to:
Demonstrate knowledge of key institutions and processes in Post-Soviet Politics
Exhibit a strong understanding of competing analytical and ideological approaches for understanding Russian and Post-Soviet Politics
Evaluate alternative explanations for particular political developments and events in Russia and the CIS
Develop a personal assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the Russian political system.