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Timothy Snyder

Ukraine must have existed as a society and polity on 23 February 2022, else Ukrainians would not have collectively resisted Russian invasion the next day.

What does it mean for a nation to exist?

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Ukraine must have existed as a society and polity on 23 February 2022, else Ukrainians would not have collectively resisted Russian invasion the next day.

What does it mean for a nation to exist?

Is this a matter of structures, actions, or both? Why has the existence of Ukraine occasioned such controversy? In what ways are Polish, Russian, and Jewish self-understanding dependent upon experiences in Ukraine? Just how and when did a modern Ukrainian nation emerge? For that matter, how does any modern nation emerge? Why some and not others? Can nations be chosen, and can choices be decisive? If so, whose, and how? Ukraine was the country most touched by Soviet and Nazi terror: what can we learn about those systems, then, from Ukraine? Is the post-colonial, multilingual Ukrainian nation a holdover from the past, or does it hold some promise for the future?

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Syllabus

The Making of Modern Ukraine
Often the most important historical experiences are difficult to see. Ukraine tends to exemplify the major trends in European and world history, but sometimes in forms so intense or radical that they escape notice and classification. Ukraine provides an early example of European state formation and an early example of anti-colonial rebellion. We will thus begin with brief reflections on ancient history and geography and cover the middle ages and the early modern period, but will concentrate upon the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries, and will conclude with the current war. Topics therefore include the Kyiv state as well early modern Lithuania and Poland during the age of discovery. Ukraine also provides an intense example of the confrontation between modern national politics and extreme colonial alternatives from the far right and far left. Modern topics therefore include Russian and Austrian empires; Jewish and Polish urban society; Romanticism and modern nationalism; the Bolshevik Revolution and its Ukrainian counterparts; Soviet modernization and terror; Nazi occupation, the Holocaust, ethnic cleansing. Finally, contemporary Ukrainian history poses in striking form the question of the functionality and durability of the post-imperial state. The last few topics include: the late Soviet Union; problems of post-Soviet rule, the Orange Revolution and Maidan and the war of 2014; and the present war.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explored by an established scholar and historian of Ukrainian history
Examines the creation and development of a modern nation, Ukraine, in detail
Develops an understanding of the implications of structures and actions in determining a nation's existence
Acquaints learners with the historical experiences of Ukraine and their influence on Polish, Russian, and Jewish self-understanding
Provides insights into the emergence of modern nations and the factors that contribute to their development and existence
Explores the impact of Soviet and Nazi terror on Ukraine, offering valuable insights into these systems

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Making of Modern Ukraine with these activities:
Review the History Of Ukraine
Ensures comprehension of the major historical events that have shaped Ukraine's past and how those events tie to current events
Show steps
  • Read an overview of Ukrainian history
  • Watch a documentary on Ukrainian history
  • Visit a museum or historical site related to Ukrainian history
  • Create a timeline of major events in Ukrainian history
Read 'Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin' by Timothy Snyder
Provides a comprehensive historical background on the events leading up to and during World War II in Ukraine, especially useful for contextualizing the discussions on Soviet terror and Nazi occupation
Show steps
  • Read the book in its entirety
  • Take notes on the key points
  • Write a summary of the book
  • Discuss the book with others
Complete a tutorial on the history of Ukraine
Provides a hands-on approach to learning about the history of Ukraine, especially useful for those who prefer a more interactive learning experience
Show steps
  • Find a reputable tutorial on the history of Ukraine
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step
  • Take notes on the key points
  • Complete any assignments or quizzes associated with the tutorial
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Discuss the history of Ukraine with others
Provides an opportunity to engage with other learners and share perspectives on the history of Ukraine, especially useful for solidifying understanding and gaining new insights
Show steps
  • Find a group of people to discuss the history of Ukraine with
  • Meet regularly to discuss the topic
  • Share your thoughts and ideas
  • Listen to the perspectives of others
Create a presentation or infographic on the history of Ukraine
Provides an opportunity to synthesize understanding and communicate knowledge of the history of Ukraine in a creative way, especially useful for solidifying understanding and developing presentation skills
Show steps
  • Choose a topic to focus on
  • Research the topic in depth
  • Create an outline for your presentation or infographic
  • Develop the content for your presentation or infographic
  • Present or share your presentation or infographic with others
Write an essay on the history of Ukraine
Provides an opportunity to demonstrate understanding of the history of Ukraine and develop critical thinking and writing skills, especially useful for solidifying understanding and preparing for academic writing tasks
Show steps
  • Choose a topic to focus on
  • Research the topic in depth
  • Develop an outline for your essay
  • Write the first draft of your essay
  • Revise and edit your essay
  • Submit your essay
Compile a collection of resources on the history of Ukraine
Provides an opportunity to organize and expand knowledge of the history of Ukraine, especially useful for future reference and research
Show steps
  • Identify relevant resources on the history of Ukraine
  • Collect and organize the resources in a central location
  • Create a system for accessing and referencing the resources
  • Share the collection of resources with others

Career center

Learners who complete The Making of Modern Ukraine will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret intelligence information in order to inform policymakers and decision makers. This course may be particularly helpful for intelligence analysts who wish to specialize in Eastern European affairs, as the course gives an in-depth history of Ukraine in the modern era, as well as an analysis of how Ukraine's modern political system and identity emerged.
Archivist
Archivists preserve, catalog, and make accessible historical documents and records. This course may be useful for archivists who wish to specialize in Eastern European history or in modern political systems. This course gives an in-depth look at the emergence of modern Ukraine and would help build a foundation in understanding modern political systems.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers work for the State Department to conduct diplomacy and international relations for the United States government. Success in diplomacy requires one to have a strong understanding of different nations' histories and modern political systems. This course "The Making of Modern Ukraine" may be particularly helpful for those who are interested in diplomacy with Eastern European and Slavic nations, as the course deals extensively with Ukrainian history.
Political Consultant
Political Consultants help political candidates and organizations develop and implement campaign strategies. This course may be particularly helpful for political consultants who wish to work on campaigns involving Eastern European nations or who wish to specialize in advising on foreign policy. This course gives a deep dive into the emergence and history of Ukraine, as well as an analysis of its modern political system.
Museum curator
Museum Curators plan and oversee exhibits and programs at museums. Some museum curators specialize in a particular subject area, such as history or political science. This course may be useful for museum curators who wish to specialize in Eastern European studies or in modern political systems. This course will give curators a deep dive into the emergence of modern Ukraine, as well as the context needed to understand modern political systems.
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Some economists specialize in studying the economies of specific regions or nations. This course may be useful for economists who wish to specialize in the economies of Eastern Europe, as the course gives an in-depth history of Ukraine's emergence as a modern nation, and how its political and economic systems have developed.
Political Scientist
Political Scientists research and analyze political systems and political behaviors. This course may help political scientists build a foundation in the complexities of modern political systems, as the course will discuss how Ukraine emerged as a modern nation, as well as the choices and actions that led to its independent state.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. Some anthropologists specialize in studying the cultures and histories of specific regions or nations. This course may be useful for anthropologists who wish to specialize in Eastern European affairs, as the course provides a comprehensive look at the emergence of modern Ukraine and the political and social forces that shaped it.
Journalist
Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. This course may be helpful for journalists who wish to specialize in reporting on Eastern European affairs or modern political systems. Understanding how modern nations emerge, and the failures and successes that come from such emergence, may help journalists better understand similar events happening in the modern world.
Historian
Historians study and research past events in order to better understand the present world. Those who study modern history will likely study the events covered in this course as they are highly impactful and relevant to modern politics. This course may be useful for historians who wish to gain a better understanding of Eastern European history, as the course covers the political structures and actions of Ukraine through the modern era.
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course may be useful for professors who wish to teach modern history, political science, or international relations. The course provides a deep dive into the emergence of modern Ukraine and will give professors insight into the complexities of modern nation-building and political systems.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. Some librarians specialize in a particular subject area, such as history or political science. This course may be useful for librarians who wish to specialize in Eastern European studies or in modern political systems. This course provides a deep dive into the emergence of modern Ukraine and will give librarians a strong foundation in understanding modern nation-building and political systems.
Translator
Translators convert written or spoken text from one language to another. Some translators specialize in translating texts from a particular subject area, such as history or political science. This course may be useful for translators who wish to specialize in translating texts from Eastern European languages or in translating texts about modern political systems. This course will provide translators with a strong foundation in modern Ukrainian history and politics.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. Some lawyers specialize in international law, which governs the legal relations between nations. This course may be helpful for lawyers who wish to work in international law, as it provides a detailed study of Ukraine's emergence as a modern nation and the political systems and structures that govern it.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research, analyze, and interpret data and use their findings to create and present policy recommendations. Understanding how modern nations emerge and the political forces that shape them is important for policy analysts who will be working with foreign governments and policy. Policy Analysts who wish to specialize in Eastern European policy may find this course especially helpful.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Making of Modern Ukraine.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Ukraine. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Ukrainian history from its origins to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of Ukraine.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Ukraine. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the Crimean Tatars. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Provides a detailed account of the Orange Revolution in Ukraine. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this event.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Ukraine's Donbas region. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
Provides a detailed account of Ukraine's Maidan Revolution. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this event.

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