Back in the USSR: Post Soviet Russia and the rise of Putinism

Session dates and times:

• Thursday 11th January, 10:00am -12:00pm
• Thursday 18th January, 10:00am - 12:00pm

Course tutor:

Marina Burrell

What will this course cover?

Since 2014, one of the key tendencies in Putin's internal policy has been the propaganda of life under the Soviet regime.

Why is this 'Back to the USSR' idea supported by a substantial number of Russians in the 21st century? What was the real life of ordinary people before the collapse of the USSR like? How is the Soviet practice of indoctrinating children implemented in modern Russian schools? What were the negative effects of Gorbachev's perestroika and Yeltsin's economic reforms that are employed by Putin's propaganda?

This course will explore all of these questions and more.

What will I get out of this course?

You will gain a nuanced understanding of how Soviet nostalgia is used in modern Russian propaganda, while also exploring the realities of everyday life in the USSR and the lasting impact of perestroika and Yeltsin’s reforms.

Guided by a native Russian professor with extensive experience and firsthand insights from visits to Ukraine, students will benefit from authentic perspectives on how history, politics, and culture intersect in shaping contemporary Russian society.

By the end, participants will be equipped to critically analyze propaganda narratives, compare them with lived experiences, and better understand the complex legacy of the Soviet past in today’s Russia.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills or experience?

This is an intermediate level course, no formal experience is needed though it would be recommended to take the introductory level courses on Russia and Ukraine beforehand.

What do I need to bring with me?

You do not need to bring any equipment, but a pen and notepad would be useful for you to write down your thoughts.

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