Contemporary Russian politics: visions and institutions in conflict
Peter Lentini
8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
Objectives On completing this subject students should: develop an understanding of the political, historical and social contexts in which contemporary Russia finds itself; enhance their analytical skills and critical thinking in relation to major concepts, theories, events and processes pertaining to Russia's transition from communist party rule; strengthen their conceptual and empirical knowledge of regime change, social problems and institution building in modern conditions; and achieve an introductory-intermediate level knowledge of the institutions, personalities and elites playing active roles in contemporary Russian politics.
Synopsis This subject identifies the major political and social developments in the former Soviet Union and the contemporary Russian Federation from 1985 to the present and seeks patterns of continuity, contradiction and departure within them. The teaching matter is divided into sections focussing on political culture, institutions, national identity, elites and personalities, civil society and social problems. Therefore, some of the major questions that can be asked include: `Are Russia's present difficulties connected with its long history?'; `Are Russia's problems a result of its communist past?'; `What features does Russia share with other countries that have attempted transitions from authoritarian or totalitarian rule?' Major themes include national problems, elites in politics, the role of parties and elections, institutional relationships, current social problems and the military in politics.
Assessment second year Class paper (1500 words): 20%
* Essay (2500
words): 40%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%
Assessment third year Class paper (1500 words): 20%
* Essay (2500
words): 40%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%
* Third-year students will be
required to answer exam questions of a higher conceptual standard than those
required of second-year students.
Recommended texts
Lentini P (ed.) Elections and political order in Russia: The implications of the 1993 elections to the Federal Assembly Central European U P, 1995
Sakwa R Russian politics and society Routledge, 1993
Steele J Eternal Russia Faber, 1994
White S After Gorbachev CUP, 1993
White S and others The politics of transition: Shaping a post-Soviet future CUP, 1993
| Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria
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