Ukraine: Continuities and Crises

Catalog description

How has Ukraine developed into a distinctive nation? This course will address critical aspects of Ukrainian identity, history, culture and politics in relation to its neighbours and itself. As the War in Ukraine continues, we must understand the narration of the war and Ukraine at large both in the West and the former Soviet space. We will explore how memory wars that are occurring in East and Central Europe are shaped by the present realities of Ukraine. Students will become acquainted with core texts on cultural study, memory study, literature and film relating to Ukraine. Students will gain critical insight into the core aspects of discourse surrounding Ukraine during its Imperial, Soviet and Post-Soviet experiences. We will look at the national revival of Ukraine, the heroization of the Cossack, and the Post-Soviet interpretation of the past in contemporary Ukraine.