Understanding Russian Economy. Problems of Transition

2019/2020

Type: Optional course (faculty)

Delivered by: School of Asian Studies

Where: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

When: 3 module

Language: English

ECTS credits: 3

Contact hours: 2

Full Syllabus

Abstract

The purpose of the course "Understanding Russian Economy. Problems of Transition" is to bring the basic knowledge on the specific aspects of Russian economy that had significant impact on the latest development trends in Russia. This course will provide you with knowledge on: 1) the basics of economy; 2) understanding the role of market reforms in developing the key features of modern Russian economy; 3) understanding specific aspects of Russian economy; 4) cause-effect relationship of the most significant trends in Russia’s economic development; 5) instruments for analysis of Russian economy; 6) business climate in Russia and skills required for doing business in Russia. Currently, different aspects of economy have some influence on us and our behavior - e.g. currency exchange rates, inflation and other things define the way in which we distribute our income between savings and investments. In order to understand these principles it is required to have the basic knowledge on economics. So it is not only a lecture on Russian economy. Another main objective of the course is to develop knowledge on the basics of economy as such. So the course will disclose universal patterns by analyzing trends in Russian economy. The learning format includes the online-course at the base of Coursera platform (URL: https://www.coursera.org/learn/economy-russia-transition).

Learning Objectives

To know the basics of economy; on the causal relationship of the most significant trends in the economic development of Russia
To be able to logically formulate, state and reasonably defend their own vision of the economic problems under consideration and ways to solve them; understand the business climate in Russia and the skills necessary for doing business in Russia
To use tools for analyzing the Russian economy

Expected Learning Outcomes

Analyses the economic features of Russia
Seizes the specifics of the transition understanding the roots and causes of modern internal problems of the Russian Federation
Analyses the initial measures in the framework of market reforms in Russia
Seizes the roots of the crisis. Economic transition under the presidency and the new prime minister since 1993 Crisis 1998
Describes a decade of sustainable growth, which can be called a golden decade for the Russian economy. 2008 economic crisis
Seizes following the Stabilisation Fund in the Russian economy. The “Save or Borrow” dilemma and its solution in Russia
Discusses specific aspects of Russian economy that had significant impact on the latest development trends in Russia.

Course Contents

Theme 1. Introduction to course
Overview of the fundamental challenges of the Russian economy Particular attention will be paid to the difficulties that Russia has encountered as a result of the transition. There is a rather long list of current challenges for the economic development of Russia. These problems have different roots
Theme 2. Brief History of Russian Economics
The specifics of the transition process, as crucial for understanding the roots and causes of modern internal problems of the Russian Federation
Theme 3. The basics of market reforms
Internal problems of the Russian economy
Theme 4. Lost Transition Opportunities
Understanding the roots of the crisis. Economic transition under the presidency and the new prime minister since 1993
Theme 5. Understanding the golden decade and the ensuing crisis
A decade of sustainable growth, which can be called a golden decade for the Russian economy. The economic crisis of 2008
Theme 6. Transition lessons. Looking for solutions
Acquaintance with the main content of the reforms: Stabilization Fund in the Russian economy. The “Save or Borrow” dilemma and its decision in Russia
Theme 7. Classroom discussion
Classroom discussion

Assessment Elements

Test after the 1st week (10 minutes)
Test after the 2nd week (10 minutes)
Test after the 3rd week (10 minutes)
Test after the 4thweek (10 minutes)
Test after the 5th week (10 minutes)
Test after the 6th week (10 minutes)
Discussion
Debates missed by a student for a good reason (illness, scientific or academic trip, participation in a conference, etc., documented to the training office), if agreed with the teacher, may not be taken into account and the weight will be redistributed to all elements of the online course control. The exam is conducted off-line. To participate in the exam, the student must appear according to the exact schedule. During the exam, it is forbidden to use notes and other tips, to leave the audience for both long and short periods.

Interim Assessment

Interim assessment (3 module)
0.1 * Discussion + 0.15 * Test after the 1st week (10 minutes) + 0.15 * Test after the 2nd week (10 minutes) + 0.15 * Test after the 3rd week (10 minutes) + 0.15 * Test after the 4thweek (10 minutes) + 0.15 * Test after the 5th week (10 minutes) + 0.15 * Test after the 6th week (10 minutes)

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Connolly, R. V. (DE-588)1139175637, (DE-576)187690448, aut. (2018). Stagnation and change in the Russian economy / Richard Connolly, University of Birmingham and Chatham House. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edswao&AN=edswao.500384940
Girsh I. Khanin. (2018). Institutional Conditions of the Russian Economy in 1999–2016 Years. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.8FF6B9A8

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Andrei Yakovlev. (2000). Barter in the Russian Economy: Classifications and Implications (Evidence from Case Study Analyses). Post-Communist Economies, (3), 279. https://doi.org/10.1080/14631370050173405
Frye, T., Yakovlev, A., & Yasin, Y. (2009). The “Other” Russian Economy: How Everyday Firms View the Rules of the Game in Russia. Social Research, 76(1), 29–54. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=asn&AN=44123177

Course Syllabus