Бакалавриат
2026/2027
Научно-исследовательский семинар "Российско-британские отношения: 500 лет захватывающей истории"
ID 1238027
Статус:
Курс по выбору (Иностранные языки и межкультурная коммуникация)
Кто читает:
Школа иностранных языков
Где читается:
Факультет гуманитарных наук
Когда читается:
1-й курс, 3, 4 модуль
Охват аудитории:
для своего кампуса
Язык:
английский
Кредиты:
3
Контактные часы:
32
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course “Russian-British Relations: Five Centuries of Fascinating History” introduces students to current aspects of Russian-British relations, which have a rich history of cooperation and alliance, rivalry and confrontation, two countries' convergence and impossible alliances. For all the differences between the two countries, they have experienced similar processes, implying the collapse of empires, the decline of their role and weight in world politics, and the search for their proper place in the modern world. Russian-British history has never been limited to political, economic ties, imperial conflicts, but there has always been a certain mystical thread between two peoples so different and not always friendly towards each other. The roots of these sympathies are deep and diverse, which led at certain periods of history not only to the spread of Anglomania but also to Anglophilia. The course is designed for undergraduate students who are interested in the development of Russian-British relationships in all their diversity and complexity. The course features lectures and seminars, which enable students to analyse plentiful information through involvement in discussions of different sources covering various standpoints on history, culture, economy and politics along with presentations, quizzes, etc. Designed to emphasize independent thought, it also envisages various research projects conducted in small groups on a wide range of topics related to its subject matter.
This syllabus sets minimal requirements for the knowledge and skills of students (the intermediate level of the English language (B1+ / IELTS 5-6 / Int) and determines the contents of the course. The course is optional but essential for cross-cultural communication specialists.
Learning Objectives
- Have a systematic understanding of the history of Russian-British relations, considering the geopolitical context, major stages of development, background of Russian xenophobia and British Russophobia, Anglomania and Anglophilism, current situation, and major trends in the countries’ development;
- Engage with, reflect on, and respond to critical historical, political, economic, diplomatic, and cultural topics (significant events, data and statistics of the given period; power and influence of specific political leaders, etc.) as well as discuss their significance for both countries;
- Develop analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as reading and writing skills; work with both primary and secondary sources of information; provide one’s own opinion, and take part in arguments on a variety of topics (individually or in small groups).
Expected Learning Outcomes
- identify the key features of the development of Russian-British relations, the factors that contributed to their formation, their current state and the main trends in their development.
- be able to search and analyse statistical data, academic, reference, and historical literature on cultural, political and social life of Russia and the UK.
- be able to search and analyse statistical data, academic, reference, and historical literature on cultural, political and social life of Russia and the UK of the 18th century
- design and present a research project.
- be able to critically evaluate information and produce clear, informed, independent opinions and judgements on Russian and English sources.
- train skills of academic presentation and co-operation.
- be able to search and analyse statistical data, academic, reference, and historical literature on cultural, political and social life of Russia and the UK of the 19th century
Course Contents
- Exciting History 16th Century The First Russian-British Contacts
- Exciting History. 17th Century Plans for the Colonisation of the Russian North
- Peter the Great and the Grand Embassy 18th Century The English "Trace" in Russia’s Reorganisation. English Contribution to Petrine Reforms
- Empress Catherine the Great and Anglo-Russian Relations 19th Century
- Visit of Emperor Alexander I to Great Britain in 1814 Visit of Emperor Nicholas I to Great Britain in 1844
- An Impossible Alliance: Why Alexander II Did Not Marry the British Queen Emperor of Russia Alexander III, The Peacemaker
- Tsar Nicholas II. British Perceptions of Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna 20th Century Tsar Nicholas II. Could Anyone Have Saved the Romanovs?
- Romanovs after the Revolution. Some Interesting Facts about the Life of the Russian Court.
- Russian Emigration in England in the First Third of the 20th Century
- England through the Eyes of the Russian writers
- Russia Through the Eyes of the English writers
- The First Translations of Russian Fiction in Britain
- Final Projects and Discussions. Student presentations on selected topics. Synthesis of course themes.
Assessment Elements
- Seminar attendance and participation
- ProjectThe final project includes two parts: submitting a research paper (50%) making a presentation (50%) As part of their assessment, students are to do projects on Russian-British economy, politics, culture and arts. They can focus on any aspect of Russo-British relations. A project is an in-depth study of an issue in the chosen area. The project includes a research paper and an oral presentation. In reporting on the project, students should show that they can: identify a significant issue relevant to Russian-British studies; collect relevant up-to-date information about the issue; analyse, interpret and discuss the information; draw conclusions; and write and present a paper in accordance with academic standards at the undergraduate level. Students must prepare and present their project together as a team. Group projects can contribute to student learning, retention, and overall academic success. Properly structured, group projects can reinforce skills that are relevant to both group and individual work, including the ability to: break complex tasks into parts and steps; plan and manage time; refine understanding through discussion and explanation; develop stronger communication skills. Group projects can also help students develop skills specific to collaborative efforts, allowing students to: tackle more complex problems; delegate roles and responsibilities; pool knowledge and skills; establish a shared identity with other group members.
- Self-study activitiesStudents can get points by reading additional materials, watching videos, working with documents (recommended by the professor and using extra resources) on the subject of the seminar with further discussions and round-table talks during A-Level extra classes - 10% + MOOC – 10%. As part of the course, students can take a free online course on a topic related to the subject of the seminar, e.g., intercultural studies. (See: Assessment Criteria for Oral Answers). The list of recommended MOOCs is given at the beginning of the term. Students can get points by submitting assignments. The assignments can be given during the term. The student must explore the problem in depth using the supplementary materials (articles, videos, etc. posted on Smart LMS) and provide a written answer (about 200–250 words) summarizing the key points and their feedback. MOOC Intercultural Communication: Dynamics of cultural identities in global interaction Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)
- QuizzesDuring seminars, ongoing quizzes will evaluate students’ understanding of required topics, content of required reading and/or videos. It is up to the instructor to decide whether to give a quiz; students may not be warned about it in advance. The grade depends on the percentage points a student gets for the quiz (see below). Quizzes are compulsory and final and cannot be retaken. If the absence is excused, the grade for the quiz is not taken into account. The grade for quizzes is the average grade of all the quizzes and tests taken by the student during the course.
- Creative activitiesCreative activities include making presentations and current news reports throughout the course as a way for students to demonstrate understanding and mastery in their own unique way. Each student must take part in such activities at least once in two modules. If a student has taken up a report but has to miss the class, they must find a replacement (another student who will agree to do the report in their place). Otherwise, the student will get a zero regardless of any excuses. The grade for creative activities is the average grade of all the reports and presentations made by the student during the course.
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 4th module0.2 * Project + 0.2 * Self-study activities + 0.2 * Creative activities + 0.2 * Quizzes + 0.2 * Seminar attendance and participation
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Английский язык : Российско-Британские отношения, Колыхалова, О. А., 2023
- Базанова, Е. М. Insight into the UK: language and culture : учебное пособие / Е. М. Базанова, Т. С. Путиловская. — 2-е изд., стер. — Москва : ФЛИНТА, 2019. — 432 с. — ISBN 978-5-9765-3873-3. — Текст : электронный // Лань : электронно-библиотечная система. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/119038 (дата обращения: 00.00.0000). — Режим доступа: для авториз. пользователей.