I also encourage you to read the New York Times and raise relevant articles in class discussion. There is an article on Russia or a CIS country virtually every day and discussion of these developments in class will illuminate the themes in the texts. In consultation with me, each student will write a 7-10 page research paper. The purpose of the paper is to give students an opportunity to explore a topic of interest at greater depth than the class lectures permit. The paper may take the form of an analytical and comparative book review or research on an empirical topic.
All papers are due in class one week before the final exam.
Exams will be based on both the readings and the class lectures and discussions. There are no make-up exams except as warranted under the University policy on exam conflicts. The required texts for the course are listed below and may be found at the Rutgers University Bookstore. I may also assign additional readings from time to time. These will be placed on reserve at Alexander Library and I will announce such readings in class.