131-083 The Decline & Fall of the Soviet Empire

Usually 25 points of first-year history, see Prerequisites, or first year European studies, see Prerequisites.

This subject considers several important aspects of Soviet history, from the death of Stalin in 1953 to the period of administrative reform and de-Stalinisation under Khrushchev; from the period of stagnation and de-Stalinisation under Brezhnev to the period of Glasnost under Gorbachev; and continuing to the August 1991 Coup and its aftermath. On completion of the subject students should have an improved appreciation and knowledge of the growth of the Soviet state and economy in the postwar period, the unsuccessful attempts at reform and the reasons for the fall of Soviet Communism in December 1991.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

A research essay of 2400 words 54% (due mid semester), a reflective essay of 1600 words 36% (due at the end of semester) and tutorial participation 10%.