Undergraduate Module Descriptor

POL3260: Russian Foreign Policy

This module descriptor refers to the 2021/2 academic year.

Module Aims

The module aims to provide you with a good understanding of the latest trends in Russian foreign policy thinking, in decision-making processes in Russian government, and recent developments in Russia’s involvement in different regions of the world. You will become familiar with the latest research and analysis of Russian foreign policy, and will be able to use your knowledge to engage in an informed debate among different points of view on Russian foreign policy. Your assessment for this module will encourage analytical thinking and help develop skills in report-writing for a non-academic audience.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

This module's assessment will evaluate your achievement of the ILOs listed here – you will see reference to these ILO numbers in the details of the assessment for this module.

On successfully completing the programme you will be able to:
Module-Specific Skills1. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the drivers and variables of Russian foreign policy behaviour
2. Explain the significance of Russian foreign policy for other international actors, including the UK.
Discipline-Specific Skills3. Demonstrate understanding of the role of Russia within wider shifts and trends in international affairs
4. Analyse different patterns of foreign policy behaviour and trends in international politics through evidence-based research.
5. Explain different worldviews and theories of international relations from your own.
Personal and Key Skills6. Engage in respectful conversation with others with different viewpoints
7. Present your own views on a topic with support from arguments and evidence
8. Study independently and manage time and assessment deadlines effectively.
9. Communicate effectively in speech and writing, including to a non-academic audience.
10. Demonstrate critical and analytical skills through tutorial discussions and module assessments.
11. Demonstrate proficiency in selecting credible media sources to inform analysis and for tutorial and assessment preparation.
12. Demonstrate effective applied writing.

Module Content

Syllabus Plan

Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:

  • Introduction to the history of Russian and Soviet foreign policy
  • Different theoretical approaches to Russian foreign policy
  • Drivers of Russian foreign policy
  • Key actors in Russian foreign policy
  • Russia and the West
  • Sino-Russian relations, and Russia’s role in Asia
  • Russia’s resurgent role in the Middle East
  • Russia in Africa and Latin America
  • Russian views of world order

Learning and Teaching

This table provides an overview of how your hours of study for this module are allocated:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
22128

...and this table provides a more detailed breakdown of the hours allocated to various study activities:

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activity2211 x 2-hour seminars
Guided independent study50Private study – reading and preparing for seminars
Guided independent study78Preparation for essay and report-writing including researching and collating relevant sources; planning the structure and argument; writing up the essay and report

Online Resources

This module has online resources available via ELE (the Exeter Learning Environment).