Essay Guidance
Your essay should have a clear argument, presented right at the beginning in your introduction. This argument should directly answer the essay question and provide the reader with a snapshot of your main point. Your essay will then unfold through sub-arguments, each backed by solid evidence and structured clearly. Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that states the main point, followed by evidence that supports it, and conclude by linking back to your overall argument. Remove any material that does not serve your argument.
Critical Engagement and Theory Use
High-Level Theories: Use theoretical frameworks such as structure vs. agency and rational choice to critically assess and engage with the literature. Discuss how political outcomes are shaped by the interaction between individual actors and broader social, economic, or institutional structures.
Middle-Level Concepts: Employ relevant political concepts, such as regime types or presidentialism vs. parliamentary systems. Engage with comparative debates to explain why political outcomes occurred as they did.
Empirical Evidence on Russia: Support your analysis with in-depth knowledge of Russian politics. Use a variety of academic sources to substantiate your points, and avoid over-relying on a single reading. If discussing public preferences or political actor behavior, cite relevant studies and polling data.
Structure and Agency in Your Analysis
Balance your discussion of structure and agency. Avoid overemphasising either key individuals (like Yeltsin, Gorbacheva and Putin) or deterministic structural timelines. Show how political actors pursued their goals within the constraints of their context and interacted with others, leading to specific political outcomes. Consider alternative outcomes to provide a more nuanced explanation.
By integrating high-level theory, middle-level concepts, and empirical knowledge, your essay will be analytical and grounded, avoiding mere description. Aim for a clear, well-supported argument that navigates the complexities of Russian politics.
One important thing is to give accurate page numbers and in text citations throughout.