States and Conflicts in the Caucasus-Caspian Sea Region

2018/2019

Учебный год

ENG

Обучение ведется на английском языке

4

Кредиты

Кто читает:

Департамент политологии и международных отношений

Статус:

Курс по выбору

Когда читается:

1-й курс, 3 модуль

Course Syllabus

Abstract

We will examine the history of the Caucasus-Caspian Sea region. We will also examine the eruption of armed conflicts against the backdrop of the collapse of the Soviet Union, exploring the interplay between identity-based mobilisations, the chaotic path of state/nation building and the role of other issues such as religious mobilisation, economics and geopolitics.

Learning Objectives

• The first aim of the course is to provide students with a general overview of the history of the Caucasus-Caspian Sea region including aspects of colonisation and sovietisation

Expected Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a good knowledge of historical transformation and recent transformation of the Caspian Sea/Caucasus region – the assumptions, 'tools' and limitations.
• Critically evaluate and apply the core arguments of the related scholarship to political and policy situations
• Demonstrate how similar processes may work in various historical settings
• Provide a more effective rationale for the politics that we encounter

Course Contents

• Introduction
• The history of the Caucasus: from Tsarist colonization to the break-up of the USSR
• Self-determination and secession
• External actors
• Geopolitics and transnational drivers

Assessment Elements

• Class attendance, preparation and participation
• In-class project Presentation
  Presentations will be held for about 20 minutes each week. Each student will present at least once (as a member of a small group). Presenters are supposed to have required and supplementary readings for the week covered. Through the discussion and presentation, presenters should demonstrate understanding of all required texts, to include some that are not assigned, and students are supposed to lead the discussion that integrates these into a wider theme. Presenters must use visual presentation as an aid for the others.
• Final written examination
  Students are supposed to prepare an in-class written text of 2-4 pages long addressing one of the questions (by their choice) that cover core topics of the course and are offered by the instructor immediately before the start of the examination. - Late assignments will be graded down. - Plagiarism will result in failure. Papers submitted for other classes cannot be reused

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (3 module)
  0.25 * Class attendance, preparation and participation + 0.25 * Final written examination + 0.5 * In-class project Presentation

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Rywkin, M. (2010). The Geopolitics of the Caspian Sea Basin. American Foreign Policy Interests, 32(2), 93–102. https://doi.org/10.1080/10803921003697625

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• de Waal, T. (2002). Reinventing the Caucasus. World Policy Journal, 19(1), 51. https://doi.org/10.1215/07402775-2002-2001