Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - IS 304 D100

Russian Foreign and Security Policies (4)

Class Number: 4989

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Thu, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
    Vancouver

  • 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:

This course is designed to develop student expertise on Russian Foreign Policy. We will begin with an overview of how scholars study the subject of ‘foreign policy analysis’ and the multiple dimensions “power”, followed by brief examination of the historical roots of Russian foreign policy and then an analysis of domestic politics and the making of Russian foreign and security policies. Key issues, debates and practices in Russian foreign policy will be explored, and the evolution of different types of Russian influence – ideational, soft, hard and “practical” – will be highlighted. Students will be encouraged to explore Russian policy thinking and action towards specific issues in key regions which may include Central Asia, the Western CIS, the Caucasus, Asia, Europe, Canada, and the US.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The course aims to familiarize students with the principal alternative approaches to Russian foreign policy analysis, and to consider what kinds of power and influence Russia possesses. By the end of the course, students will be able to carefully assess whether, how and why Russian power and influence have evolved over time. Second, students will have learnt how to critically participate in and contribute to contemporary debates about Russian foreign policy and foreign policy-making using theoretically-informed empirical analysis. This will be assessed in oral and written format, and thus help students to hone these key skills. Third, students will have developed and defended their own critical study of a chosen issue in Russian foreign policy. By the end of the course, students will be able to critique the concept of power, situate their own evidence-based arguments within the academic literature and outline, and defend pragmatic policy prescriptions.

Grading

  • Participation including oral presentations and contributions on class website 30%
  • Mid-term Test 30%
  • Research Essay 40%

NOTES:

Students will be required to submit their written assignments to Turnitin.com in order to receive credit for the assignments and for the course.

The School for International Studies strictly enforces the University's policies regarding plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty. Information about these policies can be found at: http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/teaching.html.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Andrey Tsygankov, Russia’s Foreign Policy, Rowman and Littlefield Publishes, 2016

Richard Sakwa, Henry E Hale and Stephen White, eds, Developments in Russian Politics 9, 2019

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