Making sense of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: HPC149
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course examines the causes and dynamics of the war in Ukraine by focusing on the history of the region, the role of the US, EU and NATO, Putin’s Russia, and the international politico-economic system. By drawing on different perspectives on international politics, we will examine both agency (the players involved) and structure (the international politico-economic system), in an attempt to understand the various factors that have contributed to this event.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
- How can perspectives on international politics explain the war?
- The history of the region
- The Role of the West: US, EU and NATO
- The Role of Putin’s Russia
- The international politico-economic system
- Predictions for the Future.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand the usefulness of different perspectives on international politics
- demonstrate an understanding of the history of the broader region around Ukraine
- reflect the main causes and dynamics of the war
- appreciate the value of critical and analytical thinking
- feel more confident discussing international politics.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Even though prior knowledge of the subject of politics would be beneficial, there are no prior requirements or skills to the course. Having an interest to the subject matter and current affairs is important though.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is taught online and it encompasses a mixture of lectures/short presentations by the tutor, combined with class discussions. Reading materials (news and academic articles, short videos) will also be used if appropriate.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no other costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or digital equivalents for note taking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please explore our history and politics sections for additional course on the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union and Russa.
After completing his Ph.D in Politics & International Studies from Cambridge University (2003), Angelos held academic positions in the European University Institute (Florence), European University Cyprus, University of Cyprus, Newcastle University, the University of Manchester, Al Akhawayn University (Morocco), the University of Bath, and the University of Exeter. In these posts, Angelos taught in the broader areas of Politics and International Relations and authored the books The Europeanization of Cyprus: Polity, Policies and Politics with Palgrave Macmillan (2008) and (with Prof. Kenneth Dyson) Which Europe? The Politics of Differentiated Integration with Palgrave Macmillan (2010) in addition to academic articles in the journals European Foreign Affairs Review, Journal of European Integration, Journal of Political Power, Regional & Federal Studies, Journal of Southern Europe & the Balkans, as well as book chapters in edited volumes. Angelos is excited to expand his work to adult learning also.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
