Contemporary Russian Politics (U01700)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : SPS-3-PORUS

This course introduces students to the politics and government of the Russian Federation. Format varies each year but follows the following general outline. It commences with an analysis of the disintegration of the Soviet state and its consequences. It then looks in detail at post Soviet state and institution building. Foci may vary but include party systems, civil society and human rights, democratisation in theory and practice, the nature of post communism, political culture and Russian nationalism. Russian international relations vis-a-vis the EU and post Soviet states will also be analysed. The course aims to provide students with critical and conceptual awareness of the following key areas:
- The actors and institutions involved in state and institution building within Russia and the post Soviet states
- The nature of political change in Russia
- Russian political culture, beliefs and values
- Russian foreign policy

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

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

Other subject areas

European Languages and Cultures - Russian Studies, (School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures, Schedule G)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

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

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

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
19/09/2007	12:10	13:00	Room G10, Adam Ferguson Building	Central	This is the time and date for the FIRST MEETING ONLY. From Week 2, classes will be held on Mondays from 1210-1300 in room G.11, WRB

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	12:10	13:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Objectives: By the end of the course, it is expected that students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of key institutions and processes in Russian Politics
- Exhibit a strong understanding of competing analytical and ideological approaches for understanding Russian 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.