166-030 Transitions in Central & Eastern Europe

Usually 25 points of first-year politics or first-year European studies

This subject explores the reasons for the collapse of communist power and the emergence of post-communism in what used to be Eastern Europe and the USSR. Issues studied include democratisation, marketisation and privatisation, gender, nationalism and ethnic problems, and the environment. On completion of this subject students should be able to provide a comprehensive analysis of the numerous explanations of the 1989-91 East European Revolutions and the 1991 collapse of the USSR; a brief analysis of the political, social and economic systems of the eight East European states and the USSR up to 1989; and an up-to-date analysis of the various problems and achievements of transitional and post-communist states in central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in team work through small group discussions.

An research essay of 2000 words 50% (due after Easter vacation) and a 2-hour examination 50% (during the examination period).

A subject reader will be available.