Description

Russian Studies Seminar: The Russian Elections is an intensive four-week course detailing the social forces shaping Russia's political scene and how politics may impact Russian society after the elections of 2011 and 2012.

What issues resonate with Russian voters? Who are Russia's major political parties and what are their stances on these issues? How does Russia's government work and what impact does it have on Russia's economy? What is the role of the media in Russian society and Russian politics? How will the results of the latest Duma and Presidential elections likely affect Russian politics, society, and the economy?

By combining lectures and readings, an intensive schedule of professional and cultural site visits, and discussions with local Russians, this seminar seeks to give students a wider, fuller, first-hand perspective on Russia to help prepare them for future careers in government, business, or academia.

Highlights

Discussion topics include:

The Russian Political Scene
History of Russian Politics since 1991; The Communist Legacy; Major Russian Political Parties; Nationalism and Socialism in Russian Politics; Introduction to the Russian Voter; The Role of the Opposition.

Economic and Political Infrastructure in Russia
Political Infrastructure in Russia; Role of the President and Prime Minister; Changes under Putin; The Party List Voting System; Courts in Russia; The Government's Role in the Russian Economy; State Corporations; State Investment in Infrastructure; Corruption and Perception Abroad; Investment Climate

The Media, Polling, and Campaigns in Russia
History of Russian Media; Ownership of Modern Russian Media; Where do Russians Get Their News?; Do Russians Trust the Media? Journalism in Modern Russia; Polling in Russia; Russian Campaign Financing; Campaign Legislation and Regulations; Administrative Resources; Russian PR; Media's Role.

2011, 2012, and Beyond
Major Changes to the Duma and Federation Council; Changes to the Presidency, Premiership, and other Top Levels of Government; Pre-election Maneuvers; Winners/Losers. Other post-election topics TBA.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Culture
• Economics
• Media And Cultural Studies
• Political Science/politics

Cost in US$:

Program Fees Include:

Costs include tuition for study, dorm stay, pre-departure materials, local orientation, health and accident insurance, round-trip airport transfers, SRAS in-country support, and use of a mobile telephone for the duration of the program.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Canadian and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 weeks

The School of Russian and Asian Studies's Mission Statement

The School of Russian and Asian Studies (SRAS) is a team of consultants and advisers dedicated to education and educational opportunities in Russia and Eurasia.

Year Founded

1996