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PL52114: Contemporary comparative Russian politics

[Page last updated: 16 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: CWES 70%, CWRI 30%
Assessment Detail:
  • A Policy Brief or piece of academic journalism on a topic covered in the unit (CWRI 30% - Qualifying Mark: 50)
  • Essay on one of the questions linked to a topic covered in the unit. (CWES 70% - Qualifying Mark: 50)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: Upon the completion of the unit, you will be able to:
  • Understand key issues in Russian and post-Soviet politics and society.
  • Identify the substantive features and dynamics of the Russian and post-Soviet political and societal order.
  • Critically apply the main theoretical debates and interpretative controversies.
  • Critically review methodological challenges involved in academic research on the post-Soviet region and use current media sources.
  • Communicate effectively on Russian and post-Soviet politics and society.



Synopsis: Explore the nuances and develop an in-depth understanding of the Russian political system. The unit incorporates a comparative regional element, linking Russia to the wider post-Soviet space. You'll be introduced to key topics in Russian and post-Soviet politics and society, from the failure of democratisation and the rise of autocracy to nationalism, civil society, the economy, and gender.

Content: The unit will evolve around four central debates critical to understanding the role of Russia in the contemporary international arena. These are: the role of elites in politics, the position of society in politics, the function of nationalism in politics and society, and the effects of culture of politics and society. The unit will explore these debates with continuous engagement with both theory and empirical evidence.

Course availability:

PL52114 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.