PURPOSE, GOALS AND OUTCOMES: This course provides students the opportunity to study topics of special interest in contemporary history of Russia and other newly independent states formed from the former Soviet Union. The course starts from Gorbachev?s perestroika and goes through the analysis of the collapse of the Soviet Union and formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Yeltsin?s reforms in Russia will be thoroughly studied with emphasis on their accomplishments and mistakes. It continues with the development of the new political order after the elections to the State Duma in December 1999 and December 2003 and presidential elections in 2000 and 2004, and with changes in the country associated with President Vladimir Putin. Then it will discuss Dmitry Medvedev?s presidential term 2008-2012, and return of Vladimir Putin to the presidential power in May 2012. The development of other 14 newly independent states and integrational processes on the post-Soviet space will also be approached. This course features lectures, readings, and discussions of the contemporary Russian history. The use of films, internet sites and other sources will complement historical analysis. The course emphasizes developing skills in understanding history and culture of different peoples around the world. The goals of this course are threefold: to help students better understand other cultures; to encourage a respect for and interest in the study of history; and to improve students' analytical, communication, and critical thinking skills.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: A. Regular Attendance: Regular attendance is expected. All absences for school, business, illness, or death in the family should be reported to the professor. A student who misses more than 2 class meetings may be dismissed from the course with failing grade. B. Reading assignments and class participation: Each student is expected to have read the text assignment before each class. Class participation is encouraged and expected. C. Major Tests: One major test and the Final Exam will be given on content of the course. Test and the Final Exam include essay, identification questions and matching. NOTE: You are expected to be at all tests and to make up any work within one week if absent for a legitimate, approved reason. You should notify me prior to the test if you must be absent and be prepared to document the reason for your absence. D. Quizzes: The geography quiz will be a short 10-15 minute quiz in which you will be expected to locate a number of significant physical features on a map. A study guide will be distributed. There will be other quizzes, usually short and their purpose to encourage careful reading. Quizzes cannot be made up (except under special circumstances, such as school activities or prolonged illness). E. Research Paper: For students whose major is History you will research a topic relating to the history, culture, politics, or economics of the contemporary Russia and write 8-10 pages paper. Though, you may pick any topic, I still have to approve it. Papers should be typed. Be aware about other requirements for a research paper such as a clear thesis and research questions, use of monograph and research articles from scholarly journals, proper quotation and citation of sources and etc. Talk to me if you are not completely sure about these requirements. Consult The Bedford Handbook, 5th edition for handling citations and bibliographies/work cited. Use the Chicago style pp.700-719. For all other majors: You can write a research paper or a formal 8-10 page book review. Book reviews are critiques of a monograph on Russian contemporary history, politics or economics rather than a summary of its contents and still require some additional work, for instance articles in reference journal about a book of your choice. F. Seminars-Discussions: The purpose of these meetings is to allow students to explore specific issues in depth by examining primary sources (i.e. writings from the time period we are studying). They are also intended to allow you to raise questions and issues of interest, develop oral communications skills and to get actively involved in the course. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory, and you will be graded upon the frequency and quality of your participation in discussion. Students are expected to prepare brief lists of the main points that come from the readings and any questions they may have for use during the discussion.

The semester grade. After each graded assignment you can count how many points you already earned towards your final grade. Geography Quiz ... 0.10= Test # 1 ... 0.30 = Research Paper ... 0.20 = Class participation... 0.10 = Final exam ... 0.30 =