Russian and Soviet Political Thought

The assumption of the subject is the knowledge by students of the basic issues of the political system of Russia, starting with the knowledge of the institutions of the country and the most important sources of a public life, and then the genesis and programs of political parties, their implications, election results, and the evolution of the political system in contemporary Russia.

1. Introduction: Russian political system in a historical perspective. Political and social system, special phenomena of the Russian policy, written and unwritten sources and institutions.

2. Political system and its reforms State model: classical institutions (zakon and legal nihilism, samoderzhave, state and public hierarchy, etc.)

3. Russian and Soviet political and legal system on the example of Russian state institutions under the tsars.

4. Russian legal institutions and fundamental laws. Constitutions of 1905-1906, 1918, 1936, 1977, 1993 and their significance for contemporary legal regulations of the Russian Federation.

5. State crisis in Russian history, revolutionary ideas, constitutional crisis 1905-1917 and 1993-1994. The contemporary Russian constitution of 12 December 1993.

6. Political system of the Russian Federation in the contemporary constitution: federal bodies’ competences, civil law regulations, federal and regional administration.

7. Commonwealth of Independent States’ and other international institutions of a Russian and Soviet character. Their political and legal status and its relation to the “federal” law. “Russia abroad”.

8. Basic institutions of the political system in historical and present approach: autocracy and democracy, development of parliamentarism,

9. Political parties in Russia: historical and current perspectives.

10. Basic institutions of the regional politics and policies. Self-government in the Russian Federation). A position of the “regions”.

11. Basic aspects of the political proceedings: the contemporary changes since 1991 and its role in creation of the contemporary Russian political culture

12. Other political institutions in creation contemporary political system: the non-governmental organizations.

13. Selected aspects of current political matters in Russia. Current political reforms of the Russian Federation; legal position of foreign economic subjects and individuals.

14. Conclusions: Russia’s significance of Russia in the pre-modern and contemporary world.

Literatura: Available in Polish and English languages. Partially available from internet sources. Given to students during classes (also in Russian).

Learning outcomes:

The subject will allow the student to obtain:

KNOWLEDGE

1. Knowledge of the basic concepts of political system of Russia, as well as elements of Russian political philosophy, history of law and administration.

2. Knowledge of the basic issues of the political system of Russia: its evolution, specificity and the most important institutions.

3. Knowledge of the basic political and legal tendencies in Russian policy, their influence on the reforms undertaken in the process of transformation and globalization of Russian policy.

4. Knowledge of the basic historical conditions of the Russian political system and its institutions throughout history.

SKILLS

5. Independent research and use of materials broadening the knowledge gained during the classes: political programs, declarations and normative acts (currently in force and some sources of knowledge of law).

6. Interpretation of Russian legal texts in English translation.

7. Ability to navigate within the basic issues and institutions of the contemporary Russian political system (knowledge of political parties and their leaders, elements of constitutional law, etc.).

8. Understanding the basic issues of Russian political thought.

ATTITUDES

9. Appreciate the ability to work in a group (especially during discussions on politics in transition, politics, society, values).

12. Understand and relate to the presented political concepts and programs.

13. Recognize the multiplicity and many aspects of characters and views, appreciate the diversity and justification of various - even contradictory - opinions.

Assessment methods and criteria:

Zaliczenie/Egzamin: written form (assessment of knowledge: knowledge of basic political institutions and legal regulations, the ability to indicate the doctrinal assumptions of basic institutions that occur in the modern legal system of the Russian Federation).