This course provides an introduction to the politics of Russia. It traces the evolution of Russian politics by offering a wide-range discussion of main events, figures and scholarly interpretations of Russia's past and present. While the initial focus is on the rise and fall of communist ideology and institutions, the course examines in detail the ongoing development of political structures in post-communist Russia and the forces, both domestic and international, that shape the life of Russians today.

1. Feel familiar with Russia as a geographic and cultural entity, and major phases in its historical development

2. Reflect on, and discuss the key concepts, themes, and schools of thought pertaining to politics and international relations of Russia, with a special emphasis on the notions of democracy, totalitarianism, imperialism, and post-Communist transition

3. Analyse historical and current developments in Russia, using these intellectual tools

4. Locate and collate materials on a topic relevant to Russian studies, and present your findings in a coherent manner on paper and orally.

One 3,000 word essay (50%) and either a two-hour examination, or a 2,000 word essay (40%) and tutorial assessment [based on attendance, reading, performance] (10%).

Two hours of lectures and a one-hour tutorial per week for 11 weeks.

Tutorials will start on the second week of the semester.

Students can expect to undertake 6-8 hours of reading and independent research per week outside of class time, in preparation for tutorials, submission of the major essay and the final exam.

Two first-year courses in Political Science, or with the permission of the lecturer.

There is no prescribed text for this course. However, the following books may be recommended as solid background reading:

Robinson, N., Russia: A State of Uncertainty. London and New York: Routledge, 2002.

Remington, T.F., Politics in Russia. London and New York: Longman, 2002.

Lovell, S. Destination in Doubt: Russia since 1989. London and New York: Zed Books, 2006.

These books are available, in limited quantities, at the Campus Co-Op Book Store in paperback form.