Critical Perspectives on Russia and Eastern Europe: Past and Present
Summary
In this course, you will gain a deeper understanding of Russia’s relationship to its near geographical areas in Eastern Europe, especially to Ukraine. The course offers insights in different historical events, and it has a specific focus on the developments in the area after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Why have the hopes of a development of liberal democracy after the dissolution of the Communist rule instead resulted in a more authoritarian society?
About
The course aims to provide knowledge of the historical background of the transformation in recent decades. The long-term development in Russia and its near geographical areas in Eastern Europe will be discussed, including explanations behind the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the current situation.
There are two modules:
- Kingdoms and Empires to the Second World War
- From the Cold War to the Present
Within these modules, you will gain a deeper understanding of the development over time in Russia and Eastern Europe, and how it relates to concepts and explanations from history and social sciences.
Teaching is conducted through online lectures, written assignments, and active participation in mandatory seminars.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
General entrance requirements
Selection
Selection is based upon average grade from upper secondary school (34 %), the number of credits from previous university studies, maximum 165 credits (33 %) and Högskoleprovet - Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test (33 %).
After graduation
After finishing this course, you will be able to account for important aspects of the historical as well as current development in Eastern Europe and Russia. In addition, you will gain a deeper understanding of how important history is to understand the present. Finally, you will also have developed your analytical skills, orally and in writing, as well as to critically reflect upon your own and others written and oral presentations.
