How do historical facts and legends lead to the formation of a national myth? Do national myths inform and influence present day political actions? What results when these myths are used to justify violations of sovereignty? We will explore these and other questions by looking at the relationships between the Ukrainian and Russian peoples. How does studying the history of Ukraine help to understand the complex history of two nations that have much, but not everything, in common? How does understanding the imperial history of Russia’s claim to Ukraine help explain the current conflict? Is this current Russian-Ukrainian war a case of history repeating itself, that is, another chapter in the long history of turmoil over Ukraine’s sovereignty?

This course will consider the difference between history and memory, by exploring how Ukraine developed its own distinct nationalism and seeing how this self-understanding is reflected in contemporary Ukraine. We will also look at how the history of Ukraine has been shaped by empires that exploited the region, from the Greeks and Romans to the Ottomans to the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union.

Authors Serhii Plokhy and Orlando Figes, as well as Timothy Snyder’s YouTube lectures on “Making of Modern Ukraine” will explore whether a cultural identity can evolve into a national entity. We will also read the novel Grey Bees by Ukrainian Andrey Kurkov—a portrait of the modern conflict.

Books to Purchase (will be available at Argo Bookshop during the weeks prior to the course beginning):

• Andrey Kurkov, Grey Bees, trans by Boris Dralyuk, Dallas: Deep Vellum Publishing, 2020, ISBN: 978-1-64605-166-3.

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 16 students and that TMI does not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Location: Atwater

First Session: Monday, September 16th, 2024

Course Length: 12 weeks, Mondays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Discussion Team: Peter Jankowski, Margaret Piton, Paul Billette

Degree Credit: 3 credits

Course Fee: 

$100.00 (New Students)

$160.00 (Standard Tuition)

Administrative Fee:

$40.00

Total:

$140.00 (New Students)

$200.00 (Standard Tuition)

For 12-week courses, fees are refundable in full before the second session. If the participant withdraws after the second course, they will be charged a $50 fee. There is no refund after the third course has passed. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.