Contemporary Russia (Capiz State University) 2024-2025 PDF

**CONTEMPORARY WORLD** *1st Semester, S.Y 2024-2025* **COUNTRY OF RUSSIA** ***Reporters*** **BSED English 1B** **[Dr. Mary Vincentia O. Beldia]** **Course Facilitator** **I. How it got it's name** Russia got its name from the medieval state of Kievan Rus\', which was established in the 9th c...

**CONTEMPORARY WORLD** *1st Semester, S.Y 2024-2025* **COUNTRY OF RUSSIA** ***Reporters*** **BSED English 1B** **[Dr. Mary Vincentia O. Beldia]** **Course Facilitator** **I. How it got it's name** Russia got its name from the medieval state of Kievan Rus\', which was established in the 9th century by the Varangians (Vikings) in the regions of modern-day Ukraine, Belarus, and western Russia. The name \"Rus\" likely originates from the Old Norse word roðs, meaning \"rowers\" or \"seafarers,\" referring to the Varangian people who came to the area. Over time, as Kievan Rus\' fragmented into various principalities and Mongol invasions reshaped the region, the territory of modern Russia became more associated with the northern and northeastern parts of the former Rus\'. When the Grand Duchy of Moscow emerged as a powerful state in the 14th century, its rulers claimed the legacy of Kievan Rus\', and in the 16th century, Ivan IV (\"Ivan the Terrible\") declared himself Tsar of \"All Rus\',\" symbolizing the unified claim to the lands of the former Rus\' territories. From this, the name \"Russia\" (Rossiya in Russian) evolved, signifying the continuation of the medieval Rus\' state. **II. Political Structure** **1. Executive Branch** **President:** The president is the head of state and holds significant authority. They are responsible for foreign policy, national defense, and appointing the prime minister (with approval from the State Duma). The president can also issue decrees that have the force of law. **Current President: Vladimir Putin (as of 2024).** Terms: The president is elected for a six-year term and can serve two consecutive terms. **Prime Ministe**r: The prime minister is the head of government and is responsible for the country\'s economic and domestic policy. The prime minister\'s powers are more limited compared to the president. **Current Prime Minister: Mikhail Mishustin (as of 2024).** Federal Ministries: The prime minister appoints ministers to lead the government's various ministries, which handle areas like defense, education, healthcare, etc. **2.** **Legislative Branch** Russia has a bicameral (two-chamber) legislature called the Federal Assembly, which is divided into: **State Duma (Lower House)**: 450 members, elected for five-year terms. The Duma drafts and passes legislation, and its approval is needed for most government decisions. It can also approve or reject the president's choice for prime minister. **Federation Council (Upper House)**: Consists of 170 members, with two representatives from each of Russia\'s 85 federal subjects (regions or republics). The Federation Council has the power to approve or reject laws passed by the State Duma and plays a role in issues related to federal regions, borders, and security. 3\. **Judicial Branch** **a. Constitutional Court**: Ensures laws and regulations conform to the Russian Constitution. **b. Supreme Court**: The highest court for civil, criminal, and administrative cases. **c. Arbitration Courts**: Handle commercial disputes. 4\. **Federal Structure** Russia is a federation consisting of 85 federal subjects, including republics, territories (krais), regions (oblasts), cities of federal significance, autonomous areas, and an autonomous region. These federal subjects have varying degrees of autonomy, especially the republics, which have their own constitutions and official languages alongside Russian. 5\. **Political Parties** Russia has multiple political parties, but the United Russia party, led by allies of President Vladimir Putin, has dominated the political landscape for years. Other parties, such as the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, are present but have less influence. 6\. **Elections** Elections for the presidency, the State Duma, and regional leaders are held periodically, but international observers and critics have raised concerns about the fairness of Russian elections, citing issues like voter suppression, media control, and lack of real political competition. **III. Contemporary Culture** Russian culture is rich in literature, music, ballet, and cinema, and values such as family, community, and tradition are highly regarded. The majority of Russians identify with the Russian Orthodox Church, but there are also significant Muslim, Buddhist, and Jewish communities. Russia's vast geography influences its regional diversity, with cultural differences noticeable between urban centers like Moscow and St. Petersburg and rural or remote areas. Despite challenges, Russians are known for their resilience, hospitality, and strong sense of national pride. **A. THE PEOPLE** People of Russia is called Russians. This term refers to individuals who are citizens of Russia or belong to the Russian ethnic group, which is the largest ethnic group within the country. It can also broadly refer to anyone who identifies with the Russian culture or heritage. Russian people are known for their resilience, hospitality, and deep-rooted sense of tradition. They value family, community, and have a rich cultural heritage influenced by their history, arts, and diverse landscapes. Russians are often seen as reserved at first but are warm and loyal once connections are made. **B. LANGUAGE:** Russia is a linguistically diverse country, with over 100 languages spoken across its vast territory. Here are some key points about the languages used in Russia: 1\. **Official Language**: Russian is the official state language and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. It serves as the primary language of government, education, and media. 2\. **Slavic Languages**: East Slavic: Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian West Slavic: Polish, Czech, Slovak South Slavic: Bulgarian, Serbian, Croatian **3. Uralic Languages**: Finnic: Finnish, Estonian Ugric: Hungarian, Komi, Udmurt, Mari Samoyedic: Nenets, Enets, Nganasan **4. Turkic Languages:** Languages spoken by various ethnic groups, including Tatar, Bashkir, Chuvash, and Yakut. **5. Caucasian Languages**: Includes languages from the North and South Caucasus, such as Chechen, Ingush, and Abkhaz. **6. Altaic Languages (proposed family, not universally accepted):** Includes Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungusic languages. **7. Indo-European Languages:** Other than Slavic languages, some Indo-European languages like Armenian and Persian are also spoken in Russia. **10 important phrases/ statements in Russia** - **Zdravstvuyte! - Hello! (formal)** - **Privet! - Hi! (informal)** - **Menya zovut\... - My name is\...** - **Kak dela? - How are you?** - **Ya iz\... - I am from\...** - **Ochen\' priyato! - Nice to meet you!** - **Spasibo! - Thank you!** - **Pozhaluysta! - Please / You\'re welcome!** - **Izvinite! - Excuse me / I\'m sorry!** - **Do svidaniya! - Goodbye!** **C. RELIGION** Russia is characterized by a rich tapestry of religious beliefs, with the predominant faith being Russian Orthodoxy. Here's an overview of the religious landscape in Russia: **Russian Orthodoxy** - **Historical Roots**: Russian Orthodoxy traces its origins to the Christianization of Kievan Rus\' in 988 AD when Grand Prince Vladimir I adopted Christianity from the Byzantine Empire. This led to the establishment of the Orthodox Church in Russia. - **Cultural Influence:** The Orthodox Church plays a significant role in Russian culture, traditions, and identity. It has historically influenced art, literature, and politics. - **Current Status**: Today, it remains the largest religion in Russia, with about 70% of the population identifying as Orthodox Christians. The Russian Orthodox Church has gained prominence since the fall of the Soviet Union, with a resurgence in religious practices. - **Other Religions** - **Islam:** Islam is the second-largest religion in Russia, primarily practiced in the North Caucasus regions (like Chechnya and Dagestan) and Tatarstan. Estimates suggest that around 10-15% of the population is Muslim. - **Buddhism**: Buddhism has a presence mainly in regions like Buryatia and Kalmykia, with about 0.5% of the population adhering to it. - **Other Faiths**: There are also smaller communities of Jews, Protestants, Catholics, and various indigenous religions. The country recognizes freedom of religion, and many minority religions are practiced throughout Russia. - **Secularism and Spirituality** - While Russia is constitutionally secular, the influence of the Orthodox Church remains strong, particularly in politics and national identity. There is also a growing interest in spirituality and traditional beliefs among some Russians, leading to a blend of practices. - **Recent Trends** - In the post-Soviet era, there has been a revival of interest in traditional religions, particularly among young people. The government has at times promoted the Russian Orthodox Church as a key component of national identity, intertwining religion with patriotism. **D. CUSTOMS AND BELIEFS** Russia is a vast country with a rich tapestry of customs and beliefs influenced by its diverse ethnic groups, history, and religion. Here are some key customs and beliefs: **Customs** **1. Hospitality**: Russians are known for their hospitality. When visiting someone's home, it's common to bring a small gift, such as flowers, sweets, or alcohol. Guests are often offered tea, snacks, and sometimes a full meal. **2. Dachas**: Many Russians have dachas, or country houses, where they spend weekends and holidays. Gardening, cooking, and spending time outdoors are common activities at these retreats. **3. New Year Celebration**: New Year\'s is the most significant holiday in Russia, often celebrated with lavish feasts, fireworks, and the appearance of Ded Moroz (Father Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (Snow Maiden). **4. Banya (Bathhouse):** The banya is an important social and cultural institution. It\'s a steam bath often accompanied by rituals such as a cold plunge and the use of birch or oak branches to enhance the experience. **5. Maslenitsa**: This week-long festival marks the end of winter and the beginning of Lent. It features pancakes (blini), folk games, and the burning of a straw effigy symbolizing winter. **Beliefs** 1\. Orthodox Christianity: The majority of Russians are Orthodox Christians, and religious practices are intertwined with many cultural traditions. Key beliefs include the importance of community, family, and the significance of church holidays. 2\. Superstitions: Superstitions play a significant role in Russian culture, influencing daily life and decision-making. Common beliefs include avoiding the whistling of a song indoors, never shaking hands or passing objects through a doorway, and the significance of certain numbers, like 7 and 13, which are considered lucky or unlucky. These superstitions often reflect a deep connection to folklore and a desire to ward off misfortune. 3\. Folklore and Mythology: Russian folklore is rich with tales of spirits, mythical creatures, and moral lessons. Characters like Baba Yaga (a witch) and Koschei the Deathless are central to Russian fairy tales. 4\. Family Values: Family is highly valued in Russian culture, and it's common for extended families to live close to one another. Elders are respected, and it's customary to seek the advice of older family members. 5\. Pagan Influences: Despite the prevalence of Orthodox Christianity, many traditions have pagan origins, such as the worship of nature and the changing seasons. **E. VIEW ON GENDER** In Russia, views on gender are influenced by a complex mix of historical, cultural, and political factors. Here are some key aspects: **1. Traditional Roles**: Russian society has deep-rooted traditional gender roles, often emphasizing the male as the primary breadwinner and the female as the caretaker. This perspective is influenced by historical agrarian practices and reinforced by Soviet-era policies that promoted women's participation in the workforce but also emphasized their roles in family and child-rearing. **2. Legal Framework**: Legally, Russian women have equal rights to men. However, there are significant gaps in the enforcement of these rights, particularly in areas like employment, domestic violence, and reproductive rights. Domestic violence remains a critical issue, and in 2017, a law decriminalizing certain forms of domestic violence was passed, which many activists believe undermines women\'s safety. **3. Recent Trends:** In recent years, there has been a rise in conservative views on gender, influenced by the government's promotion of traditional family values. This has led to increased discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and a backlash against feminist movements. **4. Feminism and Activism:** While there is a vibrant feminist movement in Russia, it often faces significant challenges, including government opposition and societal pushback. Activists work on issues like domestic violence, reproductive rights, and gender equality, but they often operate in a repressive environment. **5. Intersectionality**: The experiences of gender in Russia can vary significantly based on factors like class, ethnicity, and geography. Women in urban areas may have different opportunities and challenges compared to those in rural regions. **F. FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT AND PLACES TO VISIT** Russia offers a rich cultural tapestry, from its diverse cuisine to its vibrant entertainment scene and historic landmarks. Here are some highlights: **Main Foods** **1. Borscht:** A beetroot soup often served with sour cream, it is a staple in Russian cuisine. **2. Pelmeni:** Dumplings filled with minced meat, commonly served with butter or sour cream. **3. Blini**: Thin pancakes that can be filled with various ingredients, such as caviar, smoked salmon, or sweet fillings.  **4. Olivier Salad**: A traditional salad made with diced vegetables, meat, and mayonnaise. **5. Pirozhki:** Baked or fried pastries stuffed with various fillings, including meat, potatoes, or fruit.  **Entertainment** **1. Theater:** The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow and the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg are famous for their ballet and opera performances. **2. Concerts:** Russia has a vibrant music scene, with performances ranging from classical orchestras to contemporary pop music. **3. Festivals:** Cultural festivals, such as Maslenitsa (a spring festival) and various film festivals, celebrate Russian traditions and arts. **4. Museums:** The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg and the Pushkin Museum in Moscow showcase world-class art collections. **Places to Visit** **1. Moscow:** Red Square: The heart of Moscow, featuring St. Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin. **The Kremlin:** The historic fortified complex that houses the President of Russia and several museums.  **Gorky Park:** A popular urban park for relaxation and outdoor activities. **2. St. Petersburg:** **The Hermitage Museum**: One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, housing an extensive art collection.  **Peterhof Palace:** Known for its stunning gardens and fountains, it's often referred to as the \"Russian Versailles.\" **Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood:** A colorful, ornate church built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated. **3. Golden Ring:** A circle of historic cities northeast of Moscow, including Vladimir and Suzdal, known for their beautiful architecture and Orthodox churches.  **4. Lake Baikal**: The deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. **5. Kamchatka Peninsula:** Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and diverse wildlife.  **Educational System of Russia** According to the Federal Law №273 «On Education in the Russian Federation», the general education consists of four levels. Structure of the Russian Education System **1. Preschool (Дошкольное образование)** Ages: Typically 3--6 years old Overview: Preschool education is not compulsory but is widely available. It focuses on preparing children for school through play-based learning, developing social skills, and basic literacy and numeracy. Kindergartens are the most common form of preschool education. **2. Primary Education (Начальное общее образование)** Ages: 6 or 7--10 years old (Grades 1--4) Overview: Primary education is compulsory and lasts four years. It focuses on foundational subjects like reading, writing, math, natural sciences, and social studies. Children also begin learning a foreign language, usually English or another major European language. **3. Basic General Education (Основное общее образование)** Ages: 10--15 years old (Grades 5--9) Overview: This stage, also compulsory, lasts five years and builds upon the foundational subjects introduced in primary school. Students study a broad curriculum, including math, literature, foreign languages, history, geography, physics, chemistry, and physical education. After Grade 9, students take final exams called OГЭ (Общий государственный экзамен). **4. Secondary Education (Среднее общее образование)** Ages: 15--17 years old (Grades 10--11) Overview: After completing basic general education, students can either continue in general secondary school or enroll in vocational schools. In general secondary education, students prepare for the Unified State Exam (ЕГЭ), which is required for university admission. The curriculum becomes more specialized, allowing students to focus on subjects relevant to their future careers or higher education plans. **5. Vocational Education (Среднее профессиональное образование)** Ages: 15--18 years old (or older) Overview: Vocational education provides training for specific professions, such as technical, industrial, or service-sector jobs. It is an alternative to general secondary education and combines practical and theoretical instruction, leading to a diploma that qualifies students for work or further study. **6. Higher Education (Высшее образование)** Ages: Typically 18+ (undergraduate and graduate levels) Overview: Higher education consists of two main cycles: Bachelor\'s Degree (Бакалавриат): A 4-year undergraduate program. Master\'s Degree (Магистратура): A 2-year graduate program, typically following a bachelor\'s. Some fields, like medicine or law, offer specialist programs (специалитет), which last for 5--6 years and combine undergraduate and graduate education. **Doctoral Studies (Аспирантура):** After a master\'s or specialist degree, students can pursue doctoral studies, leading to a Ph.D. (Кандидат наук) or a Doctor of Science (Доктор наук) for more advanced research. Each stage of the Russian education system aims to provide a structured progression from foundational knowledge to specialized, career-oriented training or higher academic achievement. **Challenges and current issues facing Russia** Russia is currently grappling with several significant challenges, both domestically and internationally. Here are some of the most pressing issues: Domestic Challenges **Economic Stagnation**: Russia\'s economy has been struggling with slow growth and reliance on energy exports. **Demographic Crisis**: Russia is facing a declining population due to low birth rates and increasing life expectancy. **International Challenges** **Ukraine War**: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine is Russia\'s most significant international challenge. It has led to severe economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and a loss of life on a massive scale. Western Sanctions: Western countries have imposed extensive sanctions on Russia in response to its actions in Ukraine. These sanctions have had a significant impact on the Russian economy and its ability to access international markets. Energy Dependence: Russia\'s economy is heavily reliant on energy exports, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices and geopolitical tensions. **Russia\'s Current Environmental Issues** Russia, a vast country with diverse ecosystems, faces several significant environmental challenges: Pollution **Air Pollution:** Industrial emissions, particularly in major cities, contribute to air pollution, leading to respiratory problems and other health issues. **Water Pollution**: Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage contamination pose risks to water quality in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. **Soil Pollution**: Industrial waste, agricultural practices, and improper waste disposal can lead to soil contamination and land degradation. **Natural Resource Management** ** Overexploitation:** Overexploitation of natural resources, such as forests and fisheries, is a significant concern, leading to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. ** Illegal Logging:** Illegal logging remains a problem in some regions, contributing to deforestation and environmental degradation. ** Waste Management:** Inadequate waste management practices contribute to pollution and environmental degradation. Nuclear Legacy ** Nuclear Waste**: The legacy of the Soviet Union\'s nuclear program includes the storage and disposal of nuclear waste, which poses environmental and health risks. **Russia's view on LGBTQ+ Community** **· Legal Restrictions:** Russia has enacted laws that discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals. · **Social Stigma**: LGBTQ+ individuals often face widespread social stigma and discrimination, including harassment, violence, and job discrimination. **· Lack of Legal Protections:** Despite some progress, LGBTQ+ individuals still lack adequate legal protections against discrimination and violence. **· Government Censorship:** The Russian government has been accused of censoring information related to LGBTQ+ issues and restricting the activities of LGBTQ+ organizations **Russia\'s Current Educational System Issues** Russia\'s educational system, while historically strong, faces several challenges in the contemporary landscape: **Funding and Infrastructure** ** Underfunding**: A chronic issue is insufficient funding, leading to outdated infrastructure, inadequate resources, and low teacher salaries. ** Regional Disparities**: Educational quality often varies significantly between urban and rural areas, with rural schools often facing more severe challenges. **Quality of Education** **Curriculum Concerns:** The curriculum has been criticized for being too theoretical and outdated, lacking practical application and failing to prepare students for the modern workforce. ** Teacher Training**: The quality of teacher training can be inconsistent, with some teachers lacking adequate pedagogical skills and knowledge. ** Assessment Methods:** Traditional, exam-based assessments are often criticized for being too narrow and not fully evaluating students\' abilities. **Social Issues** ** Dropout Rates:** High dropout rates, particularly in rural areas and among disadvantaged groups, are a significant concern. ** Bullying and Harassment:** Bullying and harassment in schools remain a problem, affecting students\' mental health and academic performance. Strategies, policies and regulation **Domestic strategies** ** Import Substitution**: Russia has been working to reduce its reliance on imports and promote domestic production, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology. ** Energy Diversification:** The government has been investing in diversifying Russia\'s energy exports to reduce its dependence on oil and gas. This includes expanding exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and developing alternative energy sources. ** Social Programs:** Russia has implemented various social programs to support its population, such as providing pensions, healthcare, and education benefits. International strategies ** Military Build-Up**: Russia has been investing heavily in its military to strengthen its defense capabilities and project power internationally. ** Alliances:** Russia has been seeking to strengthen its relationships with countries that are not aligned with the West, such as China, India, and Iran. ** Economic Cooperation:** Russia has been actively pursuing economic cooperation with other countries, particularly in Asia and Africa, to reduce its dependence on Western markets. **Government Policies and Regulation** **· Environmental Legislation**: The Russian government has enacted various environmental laws and regulations to protect natural resources, reduce pollution, and mitigate climate change. **· Environmental Enforcement**: Increased enforcement of environmental laws is essential to ensure compliance and deter illegal activities. · **Sustainable Development**: Promoting sustainable development practices across various sectors can help reduce environmental impact. **Russia\'s Values and Practices Worth Emulating** ** Respect for the Arts**: Russian culture places a high value on the arts, including literature, music, and theater. The country has a rich artistic heritage and continues to produce talented artists today. ** Strong Sense of Community**: Russians often have a strong sense of community and a commitment to helping those in need. This is evident in the country\'s tradition of charitable giving and mutual assistance. ** Love and Respect to Elders and Family**: Russians are known for having a huge love and respect to their family especially to their elders. Their family plays a huge role in their decision making and to the overall aspect of their lives. ** Hospitality**: Russians are known for their hospitality. When visiting someone's home, it's common to bring a small gift, such as flowers, sweets, or alcohol. Guests are often offered tea, snacks, and sometimes a full meal. **References:** Sawe, B. E. (2018, August 9). Russian culture, customs, and traditions. WorldAtlas. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/russian-culture-customs-and-traditions.html. Everything about Russian food: Staple, contemporary, popular. (n.d.). Travel All Russia. https://www.travelallrussia.com/blog/russian-food-staple-contemporary-popular Russia culture: Language, religion, food. (n.d.). Original Travel. https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/travel-guide/russia/culture Russian culture. (n.d.). Cultural Atlas. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/russian-culture/russian-culture-core-concepts Blight, D. (n.d.). Russian food: Cuisine, culinary customs, and history. The Spruce Eats. https://www.thespruceeats.com/traditional-russian-foods-4160807. Mazzara, A. (2023). Russian traditions: Festivities, cuisine, and beliefs. Exploring Russia. https://exploringrussia.com/russian-traditions