The course aims to strengthen students’ knowledge about geographical issues in Russia and the post-Soviet world in historical and contemporary perspective. Students gain a deeper knowledge of the implications that the structures and mechanisms of Soviet politics, economy, settlement planning, rural, social and ethnic policies have had for post-Soviet reform processes, with a view across the border from the EU. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyse the implications of the complicated political, economic and cultural reforms for contemporary Russia.

The focus of this course is Russian society in transition. Issues for discussion include Soviet economic and settlement planning, rural, social, and ethnic policies, political system development, environmental challenges, migration, relations with the CIS – all examined through the prism of their implications for the reform process of post-Soviet Russia. Additionally, Russian-EU relations will be in special focus, especially how EU policies affect the reform process in Russia.

Final research paper (3 credits).

A reading list will be distributed at the beginning of the course.

0-5. Students must prove that they are able to interpret and analyse advanced research on a transitional Russian-related subject by submitting a written research essay to be evaluated 0-5. Active attendance at lectures is required.

Paul Fryer (GEO)

Autumen semester

Joensuu

This course should be taken together with 5117352 Post-Soviet Russia on the EU’s Border (2 credits).