2022/2023
Russia and Britain: Changing Relations of the World’s Great Powers in the 20th and 21st Centuries
Type:
Mago-Lego
Delivered by:
School of Foreign Languages
When:
3, 4 module
Online hours:
20
Open to:
everyone
Instructors:
Olga A. Kolykhalova
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Contact hours:
50
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The research seminar “Russia and Britain: Allies or Enemies? (Changing Relations of the World’s Great Powers in the 20th and 21st Centuries)” introduces students to current aspects of Russian-British relations, which have a rich history of cooperation and alliance, rivalry and confrontation. Russian-British history has never been limited to political, economic ties, imperial conflicts, but there has always been a certain mystical thread between two peoples so different and not always friendly towards each other. The roots of these sympathies are deep and diverse, which led at certain periods of history not only to the spread of Anglomania but also to Anglophilia. The course features seminars, which enable students to analyse plentiful information through involvement in discussions of different sources covering various standpoints on history, culture, economy and politics, along with presentations, quizzes, etc. Designed to emphasize independent thought, it also envisages various research projects conducted in small groups on a wide range of topics related to its subject.
Learning Objectives
- to have a systematic understanding of the history of Russian-British relations (in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries), considering the geopolitical context, major stages of development, background of Russian xenophobia and British Russophobia, Anglomania and Anglophilism, current situation, and major trends in the countries’ development
- to engage with, reflect on, and respond to critical historical, political, economic, diplomatic, and cultural topics (significant events, data and statistics of the given period; power and influence of specific political leaders, etc.) as well as discuss their significance for both countries
- to engage with, reflect on, and respond to critical historical, political, economic, diplomatic, and cultural topics (significant events, data and statistics of the given period; power and influence of specific political leaders, etc.) as well as discuss their significance for both countries
- develop analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as reading and writing skills; work with both primary and secondary sources of information; provide one’s own opinion, and take part in arguments on a variety of topics (individually or in small groups)
Expected Learning Outcomes
- identify the key features of the development of Russian-British relations, the factors that contributed to their formation, their current state and the main trends in their development
- be able to search and analyse statistical data, academic, reference, and historical literature on cultural, political and social life of Russia and the UK
- train skills of academic presentation and co-operation
- be able to critically evaluate information and produce clear, informed, independent opinions and judgements on Russian and English sources
- design and present a research project
Assessment Elements
- Seminar attendance and participation
- Creative activitiesCreative activities include making presentations and current news reports throughout the course as a way for students to demonstrate understanding and mastery in their own unique way. Each student must take part in such activities at least once in two modules. If a student has taken up a report but has to miss the class, they must find a replacement (another student who will agree to do the report in their place). Otherwise, the student will get a zero regardless of any excuses. The grade for creative activities is the average grade of all the reports and presentations made by the student during the course.
- QuizzesDuring seminars, ongoing quizzes will evaluate students’ understanding of required topics, content of required reading and/or videos. It is up to the instructor to decide whether to give a quiz; students may not be warned about it in advance. The grade depends on the percentage points a student gets for the quiz (see below). Quizzes are compulsory and final and cannot be retaken. If the absence is excused, the grade for the quiz is not taken into account. The grade for quizzes is the average grade of all the quizzes and tests taken by the student during the course.
- Self-study activitiesStudents can get points by reading additional materials, watching videos, working with documents (recommended by the professor and using extra resources) on the subject of the seminar with further discussions and round-table talks during A-Level extra classes - 10% + MOOC – 10%. As part of the course, students can take a free online course on a topic related to the subject of the seminar, e.g., intercultural studies. (See: Assessment Criteria for Oral Answers). The list of recommended MOOCs is given at the beginning of the term. Students can get points by submitting assignments. The assignments can be given during the term. The student must explore the problem in depth using the supplementary materials (articles, videos, etc. posted on Smart LMS) and provide a written answer (about 200–250 words) summarizing the key points and their feedback. MOOC Intercultural Communication: Dynamics of cultural identities in global interaction Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)
- ProjectThe final project includes two parts: submitting a research paper (50%) making a presentation (50%) As part of their assessment, students are to do projects on Russian-British economy, politics, culture and arts. They can focus on any aspect of Russo-British relations. A project is an in-depth study of an issue in the chosen area. The project includes a research paper and an oral presentation. In reporting on the project, students should show that they can: identify a significant issue relevant to Russian-British studies; collect relevant up-to-date information about the issue; analyse, interpret and discuss the information; draw conclusions; and write and present a paper in accordance with academic standards at the undergraduate level. Students must prepare and present their project together as a team. Group projects can contribute to student learning, retention, and overall academic success. Properly structured, group projects can reinforce skills that are relevant to both group and individual work, including the ability to: break complex tasks into parts and steps; plan and manage time; refine understanding through discussion and explanation; develop stronger communication skills. Group projects can also help students develop skills specific to collaborative efforts, allowing students to: tackle more complex problems; delegate roles and responsibilities; pool knowledge and skills; establish a shared identity with other group members.
Interim Assessment
- 2022/2023 4th module0.2 * Quizzes + 0.2 * Self-study activities + 0.2 * Project + 0.2 * Creative activities + 0.2 * Seminar attendance and participation
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- BRITAIN: Учебное пособие для обучающихся в бакалавриате по направлению подготовки «Педагогическое образование» / Колыхалова О.А., Махмурян К.С. - М.:Прометей, 2012. - 78 с. ISBN 978-5-4263-0117-7 - Режим доступа: http://znanium.com/catalog/product/557142
- Базанова, Е. М. Insight into the UK: language and culture : учебное пособие / Е. М. Базанова, Т. С. Путиловская. — 2-е изд., стер. — Москва : ФЛИНТА, 2019. — 432 с. — ISBN 978-5-9765-3873-3. — Текст : электронный // Лань : электронно-библиотечная система. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/119038 (дата обращения: 00.00.0000). — Режим доступа: для авториз. пользователей.
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Chakrabarti, P. N. (2018). History of International Relations. [N.p.]: New Central Book Agency. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=2239647
- Sir A.W. Ward. (2019). The Cambridge Modern History : Modern History 13 Vl. [N.p.]: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1085534
- Sloan, G. R. (2017). Geopolitics, Geography and Strategic History. Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1470129
- Новейшая история Великобритании: XX — начало XXI века : учеб. пособие / Г.С. Остапенко, А.Ю. Прокопов. — Москва : Вузовский учебник, ИНФРА-М, 2019. — 472 с. - Текст : электронный. - URL: http://znanium.com/catalog/product/988356
- Хомяков, А. С. Письма об Англии / А. С. Хомяков. — Санкт-Петербург : Лань, 2013. — 14 с. — ISBN 978-5-507-10745-2. — Текст : электронный // Лань : электронно-библиотечная система. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/6519 (дата обращения: 00.00.0000). — Режим доступа: для авториз. пользователей.