Course Catalogue

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This is a non-honours Level 3 course taught by Central and East European Studies (CEES). 

The course examines the re-negotiation of Russian identity at the global, national, regional, and local levels following the Soviet Union's collapse. It explores a range of contemporary internal and external issues, including: Russia's relations with the West and the countries of the former Soviet Union; internal and external migration; the identity of Russian diaspora communities; the role of religion and Islam; the existence and nature of ethnic conflict. 

One 2 hour class per week

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Grade D3 in CEES 2A and CEES 2B.

Post Soviet Russia: Renegotiating Global, National and Local Identities - Level 4

None

■ 3,500 word essay (65%)

■ Oral Assessment and Presentation (35%), comprising: 1) Group Coursework Presentation (10%); 2) Individually written 1000 word paper associated with presentation (15%); 3) Participation (10%). 

Adjustments and/or alternative modes of assessment will be available for students with disabilities that hinder attendance and/or public speaking.

The course aims to:

■ introduce students to the idea of Russia almost two decades on from 1991: as a 'state' and 'nation' which has gone through, and is still engaged in, the process of re-negotiating its identity at the global, national, regional, and local levels.

■ focus specific attention on key aspects of Russian identity, including Russia's relations with the West and the countries of the former Soviet Union; internal and external migration; the role and identity of Russian diaspora communities, the role of religion and Islam; the existence and nature of ethnic conflict

■ introduce students to key theoretical and conceptual frameworks (nationalism, ethnicity, globalisation, post-colonialism) with analysis of more grounded empirical perspectives.

■ offer students the opportunity to develop their transferable skills in communication and analysis which will be relevant to further education and future employment.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ demonstrate a thorough understanding of the contemporary nature of the Russian state and nation at the global, national, regional and local levels;

■ assess the significance of the past to the development of contemporary Russian identity at an individual, regional, national and global level;

■ analyse the commonalities and differences in Russia's experience of issues of contemporary global significance;

■ apply relevant theoretical frameworks and conceptual models to deepen understanding of the development of contemporary Russian identity;

■ convey knowledge acquired during the course in a formal written and verbal manner

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.