Change and Continuity in Russian and Eastern European Development

Twenty years after of the collapse of state socialism in Eastern Europe, it seems that xenophobia, social tension, political extremism, and economic crisis are increasing in the region. What is the state of democracy in Russia and Eastern Europe? What kind of cultural and societal reforms have taken place and/or are expected to happen? How long a shadow does the past cast on contemporary society? Can Western liberal democracy serve as a perspective of development in the post-communist countries, including the ‘new’ EU-member countries? 

The course addresses the roots and causes of the challenges Russian and Eastern European societies are facing today. It offers multidisciplinary approaches to the study of their cultural and societal development. The aim is to challenge traditional periodization. Instead, the focus is on long-term processes, which offer tools for a deeper understanding of the thrust of change and reason behind continuity.  

Lectures and workshops are conducted by experienced teachers and instructors. All teachers share an expertise on area studies and have a PhD education in such key fields as history, sociology, political science, and cultural studies. In one of the classes lecturers challenge themselves as well as the students methodologically by using music in teaching. A small lecture concert designed for a multidisciplinary audience aims to encourage students without specialized knowledge of specific cultural fields to critically consider various cultural phenomena and their impact. 

Designed for Bachelor’s and Master’s students of humanities and social sciences, the course consists of lectures (30 hours), course readings (materials will be distributed before the beginning of the course), workshops (9 hours) and a final exam. In addition to introductory lectures on area studies, gender approaches and  major methodological and conceptual approaches, the course is divided into three clusters that focus on cultural, political and economic, and social issues. All clusters include lectures, additional readings and specialized workshops that offer detailed instruction and discussions. Grading is based on attendance, active participation in class discussions, and completion of the required writing tasks and the final exam. The course attendance is restricted to 30 students.

Please direct any questions concerning the content of this course to the coordinator, Ms. Eeva Korteniemi, eeva.korteniemi(at)helsinki.fi. Any questions on the general arrangements (accommodation, scholarship, etc.) should be addressed to the Summer School's office at summer-school@helsinki.fi.