(in Polish) Contemporary Ukraine: People and state 3700-ISSC-CUPS-RB
The scope of the course is broad and interdisciplinary serving as the foundation to achieve the two main goals of the course.
First, the course is designed as a platform to study and discuss the most important issues in Ukrainian society and culture. It will begin with the brief historical introduction, essential for understanding the current dynamics.
Throughout the course, significant attention will be given to sociolinguistic situation in Ukraine. We will discuss the reasons for long-lasting dominance of Russian and the recent decline in its use, the contested phenomenon of Surzhyk and the Ukrainian understanding of the concept of the native tongue. We will also examine how linguistic and confessional transformations influence the political system. In addition, we will analyze recent developments in Ukrainian literature and fine arts which are reflecting and perpetuating the aforementioned transitions. Ukraine will never be presented as a homogenous state and I will strive to include perspectives from both rural and urban areas, as well as various regional viewpoints. At least one meeting will be devoted to the myth of Hutsulshchna, an important touristic and cultural center located in the Carpathians which, during the ongoing war, has become a shelter for thousands of internally displaced people.
The other aim of the course goes beyond academic boundaries and incorporates a social factor. Thanks to the participation of Ukrainian experts from different regions of the country and the presence of multinational students (hopefully including students from Ukraine) we aim to foster the polyphonic discussion, based on respect and partnership. The topics covered in the classes will also be adjusted to suit the interests of the participants and, when necessary, reflect contemporary events, ensuring the most up-to-date knowledge is provided.
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The graduate:
understands the cultural and social processes taking place in Ukraine and their relevance for the entire continent (K_W01)
understands the relationships between the various dimensions of social change in Ukraine (K_W02)
understands the historical and cultural ties between Ukraine, the countries and peoples of the northern Mediterranean coast and the rest of Europe (K_W03)
understands the value of an interdisciplinary approach to the analysis and interpretation of social changes in Ukraine and cultural changes regarding them (K_W07).
knows the most important methods either of humanities and social sciences and knows how to integrate them into interdisciplinary research (K_W07, K_W08).
Abilities
The graduate:
is able to select and make a critical assessment of information regarding Ukraine coming from various scientific, popular science, journalistic and other sources. (K_U01)
within the field of Ukrainian studies is able to independently conceptualize research problems, selects the appropriate sources, conducts their critical analysis and evaluation according to previously established criteria, can adapt the methodology accordingly to research theme, draw conclusions with the awareness of various points of view. The student is also able to interpret social processes occurring in Ukraine in an advanced and interdisciplinary way, especially the changes taking place in them (K_U04).
is able to prepare an oral or written presentation concerning current events in Ukraine taking into account the needs of recipients, in particular with the use of a range of digital tools; can present arguments to support her/his beliefs and knowledge in a logical and convincing manner (K_U05)
is able to present the results of individual and team academic work in an appropriate form: as a report, presentation, essay. (K_U06)
is able to prepare written works concerning Ukraine taking into account the requirements for academic work (K_U07).
Social competences
The graduate:
is ready to continue scientific interest in Ukraine after finishing the course (K_K01).
Is ready to show respect for partners in the discussion and uses substantive arguments even in the discussions regarding military conflict. (K_K06)
Assessment criteria
Assessment will be based on the ability to use the knowledge acquired during the course and on understanding the basic processes taking place in Ukraine. The final grade consists of four components:
Active participation in classes (25%)
A very short report (press review) on current events in Ukraine (5%)
Final assignment – essay (35%)
1) Oral discussion of the final assignment (35%)
Two absences are allowed.
In case of 3 or 4 unjustified absences, it is possible to make up for them after consultation. In case of 5 or more unjustified absences there is no possibility for obtaining course credit.