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The course covers post-Soviet developments in Ukraine that made a way from an “unexpected nation” (Andrew Wilson), which was reckoned by many observers a temporal historical contingency doomed to disappear, to a strong and resilient polity successfully resisting the Russian aggression. It is aimed to critically address and put in dialogue the existing interpretive frameworks of Ukraine’s recent history, among them: the transitology / democratization paradigm (Ukraine as a (poor) democratic student with largely dysfunctional weak institutions); patronalism (Ukraine as a captured state ruled by oligarchic elites); the civilizational approach (Ukraine as a “cleft country” (Samuel Huntington) / battleground of the West and Russia / Eurasia); nationalism studies (Ukraine as an alleged site of emergent aggressive nationalism). As an alternative to those largely misleading and one-sided interpretations, a more nuanced contemplation of developments in several important spheres is suggested, with a special emphasis on convergences and divergencies from the neighboring states, which defines the idiosyncrasy of Ukrainian nation- and state-building at the brink of the 20-21st c.
The course is structured through the main social domains / topics of strategic importance, where the transformations of the political system via regular changes of power-holders set the stage, and economic developments create the preconditions for a changing social structure. The country’s socio-demographic profile and its regional diversity would be discussed in terms of the fluid national identity of the citizens, on the one hand, and the transformations of language and memory policies of the state, on the other. The last part of the course is dedicated to the Russian war and Ukrainian resistance, where several aspects will be covered: the Maidan of 2013-14 as a trigger; the annexation of Crimea and the beginning of the Russian invasion; post-Maidan reforms and the EU integration; the 2019 elections as a political landslide; the full-scale invasion of 2022; war-induced forced migration and IDPs; boosting cultural creativity and public diplomacy. The course has an interdisciplinary character combining theories and methodologies from contemporary history and social sciences. It provides a deeper context to the current situation in Ukraine disclosing the roots of the war and the patterns of resistance, and discussing the specificity of Ukraine’s national project in the regional and European context. The course is open only for students of master's degree programmes. Last update: Bartůšek Jaroslav, Bc. (07.02.2026)
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The course is aimed at a complex and multi-faceted exploration of Ukraine's post-Soviet development, where the emergence and consolidation of the nation-state are considered through social and political transformations, whereas the Maidan uprisings and the ongoing Russian aggression and Ukraine's resistance to it stand as the main nodal points. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
Last update: Korablyova Valeriya, Ph.D. (25.01.2026)
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The course is taught in the Summer Semester 2025/2026 in the bloc manner: double classes in the first 4 weeks, followed by a month break to prepare the final project to be defended in class in late April 2026. Weekly schedule
Last update: Korablyova Valeriya, Ph.D. (25.01.2026)
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The course is completed only if all the types of work, presumed by the syllabus, have been accomplished: active class attendance (one absence is tolerated througout the semester), class presentation, midterm test, and final poster project. Grading Scale
Last update: Korablyova Valeriya, Ph.D. (25.01.2026)
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The main teaching methods of this course are peer learning and focused discussions. The instructor gives introductory mini-lectures to open the topic of the class, while the main attention and the learning medium are debates on the assigned reading. Thus, every class starts with an introductory micro-lecture by the instructor, then we proceed with a presentation by one or a couple of students followed by a general discussion of the literature on the topic. Whereas every enrolled student is obliged to do the mandatory reading for every class (2-3 papers), presenters should pick a source from further reading and elaborate on it in their presentation (around 15-20 mins long, in a format of their choice - usually a Power Point presentation). Guest lectures by practitioners and/or visiting scholars provide students with additional insights from the ground.
Last update: Korablyova Valeriya, Ph.D. (25.01.2026)
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The poster project could be a group project, dedicated to a chosen topic approved by the instructor beforehand. It must elaborate more substantially one of (the aspects of) the topics presented in the course. It should engage with the literature listed in the syllabus and adhere to the zero plagiarism and AI policies of the IMS. The poster project is due by 15 April 2026, it should be defended in class, tentitevely on 22 April 2026.
A detailed description of the assignments
Students should participate actively in the course. To take an active part in the class means, for instance, presenting findings from compulsory readings, commenting on the topic, engaging in discussions with other students, answering questions raised by the instructor, and asking your own questions. · Presentation The presentation should be based on one of the additional readings which are indicated in every class session. Selection is up to students. The presentation should take about 15-20 minutes. · Midterm test The test will take place in class, in the 4th week (the date will be announced separately and in advance). It will contain multiple choice and open questions covering the information delivered in the previous sessions. · Poster project The final project should be based on a chosen topic approved by the instructor beforehand. It must be related to some of the topics presented in the course. At least some of the literature listed in the syllabus should be used. The poster of the A2 format should include the research question, the main parts of the argument, and the conclusion, supported by relevant iconography. It is due by 15 April 2026, to be defended in class, tentatively, on 22 April 2026.
Last update: Korablyova Valeriya, Ph.D. (25.01.2026)
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This is an advanced course, following up on the course "Ukraine after 1991". Having completed the latter would be a preference to enrol in this class. The priority will be given to MA students enrolled in the IMS BECES Program applying for the Certificate "Ukraine: Contemporary History, Politics, and Society". If the space allows, students of all level of studies could be accepted. Prior knowledge on Ukraine and the region would be a plus, although not a strict requirement. Proficiency in English is required, as all the materials and class discussions are to be held in English. The ability to critically address the assigned literature and engage in well-informed discussions in class is requested. Last update: Korablyova Valeriya, Ph.D. (25.01.2026)
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