Research Seminar "Russian-British Relationships: History and the Present"

Bachelor 2023/2024

Type: Elective course (Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication)

Area of studies: Linguistics

Delivered by: School of Foreign Languages

Where: School of Foreign Languages

When: 1 year, 3, 4 module

Mode of studies: offline

Open to: students of one campus

Instructors: Olga A. Kolykhalova

Language: English

ECTS credits: 3

Contact hours: 26

Full Syllabus

Abstract

The research seminar “Russian-British Relations: History and Modernity” 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

The objectives of the course are: ● to enhance cultural awareness and competence; ● to study the bulk of the heritage and history of the Russian-British relations, political and economic background, cultural settings, the dynastic ties; ● to engage with, reflect upon, and respond to a range of key historical issues (significant events, data of the given period, power and influence of specific political leaders, etc.), cultural bonds (literature, ballet, painting, etc.), as well as to discuss their importance to the modern-day state; ● to hone one’s critical thinking, critical reading, and critical writing skills; ● to practice English in a semi-authentic environment; ● to develop lifelong knowledge and skills which will enable students to apply their knowledge in professional, scientific, and interpersonal communication in the multi-cultural world of today.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• know the major concepts of Russian-British history, politics, culture and social life, Russian-British foreign policy relations and the dynastic ties; (3-4)
● 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; (3-4)
● be aware of the key terms and the origins of Russian xenophobia and British Russophobia, Anglomania and Anglophilia; (3-4)
● be able to search and analyse statistical data, academic, reference, and historical literature on cultural, political and social life of Russia and the UK; (3-4)
● be able to critically evaluate information and produce clear, informed, independent opinions and judgements on Russian and English sources; (3-4)
● design and present a research project. (4 four)
● perceive the key terms and the origins of Russian xenophobia and British Russophobia, Anglomania and Anglophilia; (3-4)
● know the major concepts of Russian-British history, politics, culture and social life, Russian-British foreign policy relations and the dynastic ties; (3-4)
● understand the major concepts of Russian-British history, politics, culture and social life, Russian-British foreign policy relations and the dynastic ties; (3-4)

Course Contents

Russian-British Relations: History and Modernity

Assessment Elements

Seminar attendance & participation grade
Quizzes (in Smart LMS)
During 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.
The final project
The 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.
Self-study activities
Students can get points by reading additional materials, watching videos, writing essays, 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. (See: Assessment Criteria for Oral Answers) 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 an essay AND a MIDTERM / module essay (500 - 750 words), or a written answer summarizing the key points and their feedback. The purpose of the MIDTERM essay (2 A4 pages long) is to carefully examine topics discussed during seminars 1-7 and to present an argument about it. The list of topics and guidelines will be given via Smart LMS two weeks before the deadline. Each student must choose a topic from the list provided and write their essay during hours of self-guided work. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. For each plagiarized sentence, the student loses one point (for example, 8 → 7). If there are more than three plagiarized sentences in one’s work, the grade for the essay is a zero. If one’s essay is late, it is not accepted or assessed – the grade is a zero.
Creative activities
Creative 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.

Interim Assessment

2023/2024 4th module
Grading System The grade for the course is calculated according to the following formula: Course Grade = seminar attendance & participation grade * 0.2 + creative activities grade * 0.2 + quizzes grade * 0.2 + self-study activities grade * 0.2 + final project grade * 0.2 None of the grades can play a blocking role.

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

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.
История цивилизаций. Т.1: История цивилизации в Англии, Бокль, Г. Т., 2000
Колыхалова, О. А., Английский язык. Российско-Британские отношения + еПриложение : учебник / О. А. Колыхалова, Е. А. Васильева, Е. Д. Сидоркина. — Москва : КноРус, 2023. — 449 с. — ISBN 978-5-406-10755-3. — URL: https://book.ru/book/947398 (дата обращения: 27.08.2024). — Текст : электронный.
Пушкин и Англия : цикл статей, Долинин, А., 2007

Recommended Additional Bibliography

"Я берег покидал туманный Альбиона..." : русские писатели об Англии. 1646-1945, Казнина, О. А., 2001
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
Киплинг, Р.Д.. Старая Англия : Литературно-художественное издание / Р.Д. Киплинг : Художественная классика, 2019. — 223 с. — URL: https://book.ru/book/933396 (дата обращения: 26.08.2024). — Текст : электронный.
Новейшая история Великобритании : XX - начало XXI века : учеб. пособие, Остапенко, Г. С., 2016
Остапенко Г. С., Прокопов А. Ю. - Новейшая история Великобритании: XX - начало XXI века - Вузовский учебник - 2021 - ISBN: 978-5-9558-0244-2 - Текст электронный // ЭБС ZNANIUM - URL: https://znanium.com/catalog/document?id=375851
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.
Цветаева, М. И. Я берег покидал туманный Альбиона / М. И. Цветаева. — Санкт-Петербург : Лань, 2013. — 1 с. — ISBN 978-5-507-32634-1. — Текст : электронный // Лань : электронно-библиотечная система. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/33865 (дата обращения: 00.00.0000). — Режим доступа: для авториз. пользователей.

Authors

Kolykhalova Olga Alekseevna

Course Syllabus