Russia in Global Politics
| Module title | Russia in Global Politics |
|---|---|
| Module code | POL3285 |
| Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Professor David Lewis (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
In a changing global order, the role of Russia has become central to understanding global politics. This module is a research-led exploration of the role of Russia in the international system and its relationship with the outside world. The module begins with an historical overview, exploring how Russia emerged as a major European and global power. It then explores key aspects of contemporary Russian foreign policy, including the impact of its domestic political system and ideology on global politics. It explores the role of Russia in its neighbourhood, its relationship with the West and its re-emergence as an influential actor in the Middle East and other regions. Students will examine detailed case-studies of Russian foreign policy to understand the drivers and instruments of Russian foreign policy in specific cases. The module locates contemporary Russian foreign policy within the wider context of major changes in global politics and the international system in the 21st century.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of the historical context and contemporary drivers of Russian foreign policy. It will provide you with a good command of the latest research on Russian foreign policy, including in-depth study of Russia’s involvement in different regions of the world. You will become familiar with the latest research and analysis of Russian foreign policy, and will be able to use your knowledge to engage in an informed debate about current trends in Russian foreign policy and Western responses to Russian policy. Your assessment for this module will encourage analytical thinking and help develop skills in writing analytical papers for a non-academic audience.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the history of Russian foreign policy
- 2. Explain the significance of contemporary Russian foreign policy for other international actors, including the UK.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Demonstrate understanding of the role of Russia within wider shifts and trends in international affairs
- 4. Analyse different patterns of foreign policy behaviour and trends in international politics through evidence-based research.
- 5. Explain different worldviews and theories of international relations from your own.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Engage in respectful conversation with others with different viewpoints
- 7. Present your own views on a topic with support from arguments and evidence
- 8. Study independently and manage time and assessment deadlines effectively.
- 9. Communicate effectively in speech and writing, including to a non-academic audience.
- 10. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills through tutorial discussions and module assessments.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Introduction to the history of Russia
- Different theoretical approaches to studying Russian foreign policy
- Russian domestic politics and its global impact
- Drivers of Russian foreign policy
- Key actors in Russian foreign policy
- Russia and the West
- Sino-Russian relations, and Russia’s role in Asia
- Russia’s resurgent role in the Middle East
- Russia in Africa and Latin America
- Russian views of world order
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 44 | 256 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 44 | 22 x 2-hour seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 100 | Private study reading and preparing for seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 156 | Preparation for essay and report-writing including researching and collating relevant sources; planning the structure and argument; writing assessments. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report outline | 250 words | 1-11 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 40 | 3,000 words | 1-12 | Written |
| Analytical report 1 | 30 | 2000 words | 1-12 | Written |
| Analytical report 2 | 30 | 2000 words | 1-12 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essay (3,000 words) | 1-12 | August/September reassessment period |
| Analytical report | Analytical report (2,000 words) | 1-12 | August/September reassessment period |
| Analytical report | Analytical report (2,000) | 1-12 | August/September reassessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Allison, R. (2013), Russia, the West, and Military Intervention, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Lewis, D. (2020), Russia's New Authoritarianism: Putin and the Politics of Order (Edinburgh University Press).
Lo, B. (2015), Russia and the New World Disorder, London: Royal Institute of International Affairs.
Mankoff, J. (2011), Russian Foreign Policy: The Return of Great Power Politics, Plymouth: Rowman & Littlefield.
Sakwa, R. (2017) Russia Against the Rest: The Post-Cold War Crisis of World Order, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Stoner, K. (2021), Russia Resurrected: Its Power and Purpose in a New Global Order, Oxford University Press.
Articles in Russia in Global Affairs, online at: http://eng.globalaffairs.ru/; Carnegie Moscow Center at Carnegie.ru
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
Articles in Russia in Global Affairs, online at: http://eng.globalaffairs.ru/; Carnegie Moscow Center at Carnegie.ru
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | 31/01/2022 |
| Last revision date | 21/03/2022 |
