The aim of this module is to examine the social, political, economic development of the fifteen post-Soviet states since 1991. It will examine why reform has...

Post-Soviet Politics and Society (SESS0035)

The aim of this module is to examine the social, political, economic development of the fifteen post-Soviet states since 1991. It will examine why reform has been so much more difficult than in CEE, discuss whether ‘post-Soviet’ is still a valid concept and whether common patterns (corruption, oligarchs, informal politics, political technology) can still be found in the various successor states. The prospects for developing relations with the EU will be examined, as against Russia’s continuing influence in the post-Soviet space.

SERS0001 Year 1A Comprehension of Russian covers a broad range of topics and functions. As the module progresses, the range of materials extends to take in...

Comprehension of Russian (Year 1A) (SERS0001)

SERS0001 Year 1A Comprehension of Russian covers a broad range of topics and functions. As the module progresses, the range of materials extends to take in literature as well as social and cultural developments.

This module concentrates on the development of comprehension of Russian and a range of reading, translating and listening skills. The module aims to enable students (i) to achieve a sound base in Russian in reading and listening comprehension skills, (ii) to develop a sound understanding of Russian grammar and to acquire a good working vocabulary, as well as (iii) to boost language awareness and language learning study skills.

By the end of the module students will have acquired (i) a sound knowledge of the structures of Russian, (ii) a working vocabulary of 2000 - 3000 words, (iii) an ability to understand written and spoken Russian, moving from beginners to intermediate level.

The module involves both whole class work and small group work, with the emphasis throughout on the active participation of students. The module follows a highly organized and coherent programme in which all classes complement and reinforce each other.

Resources include textbooks, audio recordings and computer - mediated materials. All the resources are available on the SERS0001 Year 1A Comprehension of Russian Moodle page.