Ukraine’s Culture and Language within the Legacy of the USSR, Russian Invasion, and Other Crises

This course explores the dramatic transformation of Ukraine from the late Soviet era to the present day. We will examine key historical events, delve into rich cultural traditions, analyze the complex political landscape, and gain basic proficiency in the Ukrainian language. Through lectures, discussions, guest speakers, films, readings and other resources, we will gain a comprehensive understanding of Ukraine’s complex identity, its vibrant cultural tapestry, and its ongoing struggle for democracy and self-determination.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the historical, political, social, and cultural forces that have shaped contemporary Ukraine since 1986.
• Critically evaluate the causes and consequences of key events like the Chernobyl disaster, Ukrainian independence, the Orange Revolution, the Euromaidan Revolution, and the ongoing war with Russia.
• Explore the diverse cultural landscape of Ukraine, including its literature, music, art, cinema, and traditions.
• Understand the complexities of Ukrainian politics, including the role of democracy, civil society, and various political parties.
• Gain basic proficiency in the Ukrainian language, including greetings, numbers, basic phrases, and simple grammar.
• Develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills through class discussions, written assignments, and presentations.

Study materials for UKRAN 2200 include:

• Serhii Plokhy, The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine
• Serhii Plokhy, Chernobyl: The History of a Nuclear Catastrophe
• Serhii Plokhy, The Russo-Ukrainian War: The Return of History
• Ukrainian online language learning resources
• Additional video materials, readings and articles will be provided throughout the semester.

Homework and Grading

All homework is shown on the Assignments page. Students are expected to watch and read all assigned materials. They will become familiar with the alphabet, sounds, and basic vocabulary of Ukrainian.

The Assignments page lists specific tasks for each class. Most of the tasks are of analytical and conceptual nature. Memorization is not emphasized. Classes are interactive and include discussions, questions, explanations, etc.

For the final week, students are expected to write an essay and make a  brief presentation on their own research.

About 80% of the grade is based on class performance, attendance and participation during the semester.

20% comes from the final project.

Final Project and Presentation

Objective: To synthesize and apply the knowledge gained throughout the course into a focused analysis of a specific aspect of Ukrainian culture, history, or current political dynamics.

Components:

Research Paper: Students will write a concise research paper (1,000-1,500 words) on a topic relevant to the course content. Possible topics include:

• The influence of historical events on modern Ukrainian national identity.
• Cultural responses to the Chernobyl disaster.
• Comparing the cultural impacts of the Orange Revolution and the Euromaidan Revolution.
• The significance of contemporary Ukrainian art and literature post-Euromaidan.
• Effects of the ongoing conflict with Russia on Ukrainian society.

Oral Presentation: Alongside the paper, students will prepare a brief (5-7 minute) presentation to summarize their research findings to the class. This should include:

• A succinct overview of the topic.
• Discussion of the main conclusions or insights.
• Recommended: appropriate visual aids to support key points (e.g., slides, charts)

Language Use: Integrate Ukrainian language by using specific terms and phrases related to the topic in both the paper and the presentation, demonstrating effective use of the course’s language component.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Analytical Depth: Clarity of argument, quality of analysis, and relevance to selected topic.
• Presentation Quality: Effectiveness in communicating ideas and engaging the audience.
• Language Application: Correct and contextually appropriate use of Ukrainian terms.

Submission Requirements:

• Final paper to be formatted as a PDF, with citations in APA or MLA style.
• Presentations will be scheduled during the last week of classes.