Putinomania and Putinophobia: The Political Image of Contemporary Russia

This graduate course, intended for students interested in contemporary Russian society and politics, is centered on the analysis of the formation of contemporary Russia's image in the world. Special attention will be paid to characterizing the political transformation of Russia in the 2000's, which is inseparably connected with the name of the Russian President. The ambiguous and conflicting assessments of this problem constitute a good field for intellectual discussion and the examination of one's own views. The course will consist of lectures, discussion, round tables, and the independent analysis of political documents. Grades will be based on the preparation of independent essays, analytical notes, and other written assignments.