Ukraine between East and West, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course deals with the development of Ukraine as a region and nation between East and West. The aim is primarily to provide a historical-political background to the war between Russia and Ukraine that started in February 2022. The focus is on the historical development after the First World War. The course includes themes on the use of history, methodological nationalism and general historiographical perspectives.  

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding: 

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of the history of Ukraine, with an emphasis on the post-World War I period. 
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the historical forces that have characterised and shaped the history of Ukraine. 
• Demonstrate basic understanding of the concepts of methodological nationalism and teleology. 

Skills and Abilities: 

• Be able to problematise Ukraine's position as a region and/or nation between West and East and the consequences of this in different periods of history. 
• Be able to use the concept of methodological nationalism and teleology in analysing the historiography of Ukraine. 

Judgment and Approach: 

• Be able to evaluate and take a critical approach to historiography that tries to use history for political reasons in different ways. 
• Be able to discuss and relate to different historical-moral aspects of Ukraine's history. 

Required Knowledge

History 90 credits or History of Ideas 90 credits, or a Bachelor's degree regardless of subject (180 credits), or equivalent. English B/6 and (if the course is given in Swedish) Swedish for basic eligibility for university studies.

Form of instruction

The course is taught in English or Swedish (depending on the students' language skills) and consists of lectures, seminars, group exercises and individual work. In cases where participation in lectures or exercises is compulsory, i.e. of an examination nature, this is specifically stated in the timetable. In case of absence from compulsory sessions, supplementary information is provided by the teacher. 

Technical requirements when the course is conducted as an online course:  

• A secure and good internet connection 
• A computer (Mac/PC).  
• Webcam and microphone 

Examination modes

The course is continuously examined through participation in mandatory seminars and individual homework assignments. The course contains of two modules. Literature studies and Historical analysis. Seminars within the modules are classified with grades Pass or Fail. Individual homework assignments are graded with Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). To pass the course (min. grade Pass), all mandatory parts must have received the grade Pass. To receive a Pass with distinction (VG) on the course, the total grade on both modules must be VG.

Students who have passed may not undergo further examination for higher grades. For those students who have not been approved at the regular examination opportunity, a re-examination is arranged within two months after the ordinary examination opportunity, and another within one year, so-called collection examination.  

A student who does not fully meet the objectives for an examination but is close to the limit for a passing grade can, at the decision of the examiner, be given the opportunity to supplement to achieve the examination task's criteria for a passing grade. Completion of the examination must be individually adapted based on the goal(s) not achieved by the student and must take place within two weeks after the students have been notified of the examination results but before the next examination opportunity. It is only permitted to supplement an unapproved result to a passed one, supplementing for a higher grade is not permitted.

Deviations from the syllabus' examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to a disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form must be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the syllabus' expected study results. At the request of the student, the course teacher in consultation, in consultation with the examiner, shall promptly decide on an adapted form of examination. The decision must then be notified to the student.  

Other regulations

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Conceptual and Social Studies at Umeå University.  

In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.