Time Schedule:
Robert Huber
POL S 441
Seattle Campus
Ideological and historical bases of Soviet politics; Leninism; Stalinism; Gorbachev' s perestroika and the collapse of the USSR; the role of Yeltsin; problems of Russian state-building, market reform, and democratic transition; political parties and civil society; the relationship between the center and the regions; the problem of Russian national identity.
Class description
This course provides a detailed examination of the emergence of a new Russian state after the collapse of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991. After a brief discussion of the legacy of the Soviet state, the course will focus on four major issues in the study of post-Soviet Russia: 1) electoral politics, national identity, and the remaking of the state; 2) leadership, structures and institutions of power; 3) economy, rule of law, and the condition of Russian society; 4) future directions in state and society. No prior coursework in Russian or Soviet politics is required; however, at least some introductory-level work in political science is highly recommended. If you have been not been exposed to such work, the extensive reading in week one is designed to give you sufficient historical and substantive background to prepare you for the course as a whole.
Grades in this class will be based on class participation (33%), a midterm exam (33%), and a final exam (33%). Both exams will be given in class and will consist of essay questions. Question choices will be provided in advance, but the questions that are the subject of essays will be assigned by the instructor on examination day. One page of double-sided notes is permitted. All required texts (Sakwa and White et al, are on sale at the University Book Store. Additional readings will be on reserve or provided through a class listserv. Class attendance is essential for there will be considerable class discussion.
Student learning goals
Maintain a basic understanding of the Russian politics and society, including a knowledge of key institutions, patterns of political activity, health and demographics of Russia, economic and social problems and prospects, and a ability to conduct basic research on Russia as part of a broader program of study in history, culture, and language of the country.
Basic ability to synthesize teaching materials and class discussion for purposes of comparative study of Russia and other contemporary political systems.
basic preparation for further graduate study in political science and international relations involving Russia by framing the debates and issues that would require further coursework at the graduate level.
General method of instruction
A combination of lecture and class discussion, together with a mid-term and final exam.
Recommended preparation
See above
Class assignments and grading
See above
See above
