Government and Politics in Eurasia

Russian and Eurasian Politics, PS 357.001
M,W,F 9:00-9:50 Dane Smith Hall 333
Fall 2000; G. Gleason Home

PURPOSE AND CONTENT OF COURSE    This course surveys the recent experience of political and economic transition from state socialism to post-socialist government in the countries of the former USSR. (see map) The goal of the course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the experience of post-communist transition. The data reviewed and the insights gained in this course will be valuable for a broad liberal arts education and will provide a foundation for further work in comparative government and the policy sciences. The course also offers an opportunity to become informed on current affairs in Russia and other former Soviet states.

RESULTS OF THE COURSE   Students who complete this course will gain an informed appreciation of the key historical and institutional influences on the rise and fall of the "Great Soviet Experiment". Students will develop a detailed understanding of the policy infrastructure of democratic, market-oriented societies on the basis of the their study of the successes and failures of reform in the states of the former USSR. Students will develop a broad comparative basis for analyzing the role played by cultural, economic, institutional and political factors in transitional societies in Eastern Europe and Eurasia as well as in other parts of the world.

CURRICULUM STRUCTURE AND COURSE ADMINISTRATION    This course uses web-based curriculum materials. The reading materials are available in two phases, the general sources and the reading modules. The course of study is arranged in terms of the following three study modules. The timing and sequencing of the presentation of course material may vary depending upon current events and the progress of the class.

Module A-- History and Culture (Also see the Bucknell University Russian History site).
Module B --Design of Institutions (starting with the Fundamental Law) and the Foreign Policy Concept.
Module C--Specialization.

Gregory Gleason's office is located in room 3038 of the Social Science Building (Bldg. #78). His office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 2-4 pm and at other times by appointment. His phone is 277-7391, fax is 277-2821 and his email is gleasong@unm.edu.

STUDY MODULES    Modules consists of readings, descriptive material, and quizzes relating to the broad contextual background of post-Soviet transition. The modules are described in greater detail in the section on specialization.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS  The course schedule specifies the sequence and treatment of topics.  Grading for the course is based upon 1) quizzes (25 percent); 2) Sector Group participation (25 percent); and 3) a final exam (50 percent). Quizzes should be downloaded from the web, completed in long hand, and submitted. The final exam will be a written, cumulative exam. More information on the Sector Groups will be available in class.

Social Science Bldg. Rm 3038
Albuquerque, NM 87131
505-277-7391 and 505-277-3161 (fax), reactor room.