Professor(s)
Notes
Like in Northern Ireland or Bosnia not so long ago, the issues behind the present war in Ukraine are far more complex than represented in any media outlet. As most Ukrainian now rightfully claim, strong dissimilarities separate Russia and Ukraine, but at the same time, there are also, as rightfully claimed by a significant minority of Ukrainians, similarities and historical ties have also interwoven the two people into the same fabric for eleven centuries. What are the differences between Ukrainians and Russians? When do the histories of the two countries intersect, separate or enter into conflict? Far more than trying to understand the causes of the present conflict, this course will explore in detail the natural environment, the cultural and political geography, the history, the society, the institutions, the economy, the daily life of the population and the recent political events of the largest country of Europe West of the Russian border.
Learning Outcomes
- Students are expected to gain knowledge of Geography of Ukraine (i.e. gain the ability to): recognize the major regional features of the physical geography of Ukraine (such as Crimea, the shores of the sea of Azov or of the Black Sea, the great rivers, the major cities, etc.); recognize the features of human geography linguistic groups ethnic divisions and diverse, even conflicting, identities.
- Historic origins of present situations (i.e. gain the ability to): identify the most significant events, situations that shaped the life of populations in Ukraine and its international relations.
- Structure of society and state (i.e. gain the ability to): identify the main political actors (parties, factions, ideologies and trends, news outlets).
- Geopolitical structures of regions of central and Eastern Europe (i.e. gain the ability to): identify power plays, and issues at stake on the geopolitical chessboard of the region identify motivations of actors.
Syllabus
Schedule
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
Tuesday | 12:10 | 13:30 | G-207 |
Friday | 12:10 | 13:30 | G-207 |