This unit of the course explores the evolution of Soviet planning up to, and including, the implementation of the First Five-Year Plan of 1927/8-1932, and the performance of the Soviet economy in terms of the planning techniques established at that time during the years 1927/8-1952. It aims to provide an understanding of long-term economic development in the Soviet Union during the years 1918-1952 and beyond, through a direct study of historical statistical data; primary sources, including not only textual materials (in translation) but also film and graphics, and interpretation by Soviet and Western scholars, employing the tools of the social scientist. It involves data collection, often from materials deliberately presented with the aim of misinformation, and an analysis of interpretations, often created in the same spirit, with the objective of determining not only objective reality but also the motivation behind the presentation of such misinformation. In such a manner students will develop an understanding of problems concerning the validity and reliability of available data emanating from the Soviet Union, learn methods of contextual analysis and interrogation, and gain insights into how to conceptualize and analyse such materials, utilizing both political science and economics methodology

LECTURES

1. The Soviet Plan Era in Long-term Historical Perspective

2. The Formulation of the First Five-Year Plan

Soviet Planning for Growth, 1928-1938

3. Industrialization. Output and Investment
4. Labour Supply, Wages and the Material Welfare of the Population
5. Agrarian Change and Collectivization
6. Transport Systems and Industrialization
7. Planning Procedures and "Free Market" Institutions
8. Monetary Policy and Prices

9. The Late-Stalinist Economy, 1938-1953

Reading

TUTORIALS

Reading lists

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