RUSSIA AFTER COMMUNISM
This course presents a broad introduction to contemporary politics and society in Russia. It focuses on Russia, with secondary attention to other countries of the former Soviet Union. What was Soviet-type socialism and how is its legacy shaping post-Soviet Russia? Where is Russia headed: toward democracy as it is known in the West, a new form of authoritarianism, reversion to the old system, or something else? The political upheaval and social movements that swept Russia and the other Soviet republics during the Gorbachev period will be explored. We will then examine the Yeltsin, Putin, and post-Putin periods and current problems of political change. The topics to be investigated include the dilemmas of transition from a command economy to capitalism, struggles among emerging social interests, public opinion, social integration and disintegration, nationalism, and Russia’s place in the world.
No laptop computers are allowed in class.
Requirements consist of a midterm and final exam and attendance at all class sessions. Each of the two exams count for one-third of the grade and attendance and participation in discussions and debates for one-third of the grade. Students are expected to do all the readings for each week by the Thursday of the week for which they are assigned.
The course is recommended for juniors and seniors but is open to all students.