The principal aim of this course is to provide the students o with the necessary tools and methods (main theoretical models and debates in area studies) when studying the region. It also aims to offer to the students of the region not only a comprehensive conceptualization of the concept of Central Asia but also some essential and basic knowledge about each country both in a historical context and in the light of current developments and transformations.

The course will first cover the state of Soviet Studies –Sovietology-, transition (transitology) and post-Soviet studies (Post-Sovietology). The main aim here is to provide knowledge on the main theoretical and methodological debates and main paradigms on how to study Soviet and post-Soviet states. Secondly, main research strategies and techniques for the study of post-Soviet transition will be identified. Thirdly, this course will focus on each Central Asian country including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzhstan, and Turkmenistan covering the diverse ethnic, geographical/strategic, demographic, political, cultural and societal similarities and/or differences of each country with a comparative dimension.

Readings and discussions of essential background materials and the critical evaluation of the materials on the basis of each Central Asian country will consist of the core of the course.