Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - IS 304 D200

Russian Foreign and Security Policies (4)

Class Number: 7675

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2024
    Thu, 12:00–12:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units. Recommended: IS 200 and HIST 335.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduces the Russian Federation's foreign and security policies. Reviews key actors, institutions, and stages in the development of Russian foreign policy development as well as the gap between rhetoric and realities in Russian foreign policy.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course will begin with an overview of Soviet imperial legacies and basic facts of domestic politics which affected the foreign policy formation for the subsequent decades. We will look into the main instruments and actors of Russian foreign policy-making. Then we will explore the changing goals and agendas that the Russian government pursues over several decades. As the course progresses, we will try to trace a variety of theoretical approaches to Russian foreign policy in recent academic scholarship. Students will be encouraged to explore Russian policy thinking and action towards specific issues in key regions which include Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Canada, and the US.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

(i) to help students view Russian foreign policy through different theoretical perspectives and relying on the wealth of empirical data.
(ii) to provide the factual grounding and conceptual apparatus for future research
(iii) learn how to write a short academic essay using a variety of sources.

Grading

  • Attendance & Participation 20%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Short Essay 25%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

TBD

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.