| Unit name | Understanding Russia: Critical Approaches |
|---|---|
| Unit code | RUSS10039 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Knight |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Russian |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit will introduce students to the conceptual frameworks through which we understand Russia. Teaching will be divided into four thematic blocks, which will change according to staff involvement, but will typically include such themes as power, space, time, language, heroism etc. These themes will allow students to explore the continuities and changes in Russia’s cultural and social history. The topic of ‘time’, for example, will introduce students to the periodisation of Russian history, encourage them to reflect on shifting attitudes to time at various points and in various cultural spheres (e.g. the apocalyptic visions of the late 19th century, or the utopian dreams of the Soviet period), and question whether anything really changes in Russian history.
The unit will use a variety of materials, including literature, film, historical documents and media texts, and draw on secondary literature to explore and critique common theoretical and critical approaches to Russia.
The unit will also develop students’ skills in analysis and composition through a series of summative assessments.
Successful students will be able to demonstrate:
1. knowledge and understanding to build a sound conceptual framework to understand the history, thought and culture of Russia.
2. skills to assess and challenge the narrative frameworks that shape how Russia has been understood in a variety of contexts.
3. an ability to engage with, interpret and contrast texts, film, music and images from different periods and genres.
4. skills of critical thinking, analysis and debate.
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous sessions and asynchronous activities, including seminars, lectures, and collaborative as well as self-directed learning opportunities supported by tutor consultation.
500 word mini-essay (10%), testing ILOs 1-4
1,000 word annotated bibliography (20%), testing ILOs 1-4
1,000 word literary analysis (20%), testing ILOs 1-4
1,500 word essay (50%), testing ILOs 1-.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. RUSS10039).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
