Russian Politics (Advanced) module (PO41017)

​​Russian politics has undergone dramatic transformations since the late Soviet period, and continues to occupy a central place in international affairs. This module gives you an advanced understanding of Russian politics from Yeltsin to Putin, drawing on a wide range of theoretical models and academic debates from political science. 

​Topics include Gorbachev's reforms and the collapse of the Soviet Union; the constitutional battle between parliament and executive in 1990 to 1993; economic reform and the move from plan to market; the rise and consolidation of Putin's presidency; elections and presidential power in theory and in practice; Russia's re-emergence as a regional power; Russian energy policy; the rise of mass opposition to the Putin regime; and the consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

​Teaching takes place through weekly lectures and seminars, with recommended film screenings to complement the material. Individual discussion of essay and policy brief plans is available during scheduled office hours. 

​What you will learn 

​In this module, you will: 

• ​Develop advanced understanding of a wide range of theoretical models and hypotheses from political science 
• ​Gain extensive knowledge of the key features and trends in Russian politics from Yeltsin to Putin 
• ​Examine Russian energy policy and its implications for Russian and international politics 
• ​Analyse the causes and consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine 
• ​Develop skills in oral and written analysis, policy brief writing, and research 

​By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• ​Demonstrate advanced understanding of theoretical models and hypotheses from political science 
• ​Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of key features and trends in Russian politics from Yeltsin to Putin 
• ​Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of Russian energy policy 
• ​Demonstrate advanced understanding of the consequences of Russia's invasion of Ukraine 
• ​Critically evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, and practical relevance of normative debates in contemporary Russian politics​

Assignments / assessments

​​Attendance and engagement (10%) 

• ​Assessed engagement with the module throughout the semester 

​Essay (50%) 

• ​A written essay drawing on the academic literature and independent research 

​Policy brief (40%) 

• ​A policy brief on a topic from the module 

​This module does not have a final exam.​

Teaching methods / timetable

• ​​Weekly one-hour lectures 
• ​Weekly one-hour seminars 
• ​Individual tutorials during office hours for essay and policy brief planning 
• ​Recommended film screenings​