The Geopolitics of Russia
| Module title | The Geopolitics of Russia |
|---|---|
| Module code | POLM890 |
| Academic year | 2022/3 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Professor David Lewis (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
The Geopolitics of Russia examines Russian geopolitical thought and how it has influenced Russian foreign and security policy. Students will examine key texts in post-Soviet Russian thinking and explore how they have influenced Russian policy towards its neighbourhood and global politics. The module will use a series of case-studies to discuss Russian geopolitics, including the Russian role in Eastern Europe and Eurasia, Russian policies in the Middle East, and Russia's relations with the West and with China.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to provide students with a better understanding of the key theories and concepts that inform Russian foreign and security policy. It will also provide students with an advanced understanding of key cases in Russian foreign policy, including Russia's involvement in ongoing conflicts in Eastern Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate knowledge of theories of geopolitics and how they have been interpreted in Russia.
- 2. Identify and discuss the key concepts deployed in Russian thinking on foreign and security policy.
- 3. Develop a detailed understanding of contemporary Russian foreign policy.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Construct critical arguments with regard both to their logical rigour and political plausibility.
- 5. Exercise informed judgement concerning the policy implications of abstract political principles
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Present complex arguments with clarity and concision
- 7. Identify spurious conclusions and distinguish rigorous from merely persuasive argument
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 278 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities | 22 | 11 x 2 hour per week seminars including small group work, presentations, and class discussion |
| Guided Independent Study | 155 | Reading and research |
| Guided Independent Study | 35 | Presentation preparation |
| Guided Independent Study | 88 | Essay writing |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay outline | 300 words | 1-7 | Written and oral |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-class presentation and Q&A | 20 | 10 minutes | 1-7 | Written by email |
| Essay | 40 | 3000 | 1-7 | Written |
| Essay | 40 | 3000 | 1-7 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-class presentation and Q&A | Recorded or in-person presentation | 1-7 | August-September |
| Essay | Essay | 1-7 | August-September |
| Essay | Essay | 1-7 | August-September |
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 15 |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Last revision date | 10/05/2022 |
