Welcome to Cornell’s Ukrainian Program!

UKRAN 1100 Introduction to Ukraine. This 1-credit course, taught in English, offers a comprehensive overview of Ukraine’s history, culture, and language. With the ongoing Russian invasion, there has been increased interest in understanding Ukraine’s unique identity. While Ukraine and Russia share parts of their history, Ukraine has its own distinct heritage, language, culture, and traditions. Meeting once a week for 50 minutes, students will learn the basics of the Ukrainian language and gain insights into the key forces that have shaped modern Ukraine. No prior knowledge of the Ukrainian language, history, or culture is required.

UKRAN 1121/1122 Elementary Ukrainian. These in-person courses offer 4(3) credits and will help students develop elementary proficiency in the Ukrainian language while acquiring a basic knowledge of Ukrainian culture, history, geography, and way of life. The unique curriculum incorporates folk songs to improve understanding of phonetic and grammatical concepts. Students in the 3-credit section are not required to attend the first class each week, which is for review.

UKRAN 2200 Contemporary Ukraine. This 2-credit course examines the dramatic transformation of Ukraine from the late Soviet era to the present day. Through lectures, discussions, guest speakers, films, readings, and other resources, students will gain an understanding of the country’s journey toward independence, focusing on the linguistic and cultural shifts that have shaped modern Ukraine. The course explores Western and Slavic linguistic influences, the impact of digital communication styles, and the ongoing tension between Russian and Ukrainian languages. How have Ukrainians pursued self-determination through culture and language after decades of oppression and control?

UKRAN 3305 Reading and Writing in Ukrainian. The course is designed for students with Ukrainian heritage who speak more or less standard Ukrainian but have only beginner’s understanding of grammar and have not learned to read or write well (or have not learned written Ukrainian at all). In the two required classes, the focus will be on developing reading, writing, and grammar skills, while enhancing existing spoken fluency and cultural understanding. The third (optional) class teaches reading and discussion, focusing on contemporary styles.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: When taken for 3 credits, UKRAN 3305 satisfies the foreign language requirement in the College of Arts and Sciences and adds 3 credits towards fulfilling the liberal arts requirement in the School of Engineering.