Course content

The course will provide students with an introduction to the history and politics of the Soviet Union and Russia, with attention to the revolutionary origins and historical development of the Soviet Union as well as to post-Soviet developments. Special attention will be paid to nationalities policy, Church-state relations, and gender equality. One week will be devoted to discussing post-1991 Ukraine and Belarus.

Learning outcome

Knowledge – the student shall:
- be in the forefront of knowledge of the history and politics in the Soviet Union and Russia after 1917 and have a command of the theories and methods in the field.
- be able to contribute to the development of new knowledge in the discipline.
Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:
- treat one of the themes which was discussed in instruction in an independent empirical analytical manner which is at a high international level.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures/group discussions. Supervision of term paper. The essay is to be an independent discussion of a topic taught in lectures, and is to consist of 20 pages.If 6 or fewer students sign up for a planned course during the first 2 teaching weeks, the course will be offered as an instructed reading course.

Required previous knowledge

Master’s degree in Political Science or equivalent

Course materials

To be decided at the start of the course.

Credit reductions