Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-20)

Topic

Ukraine's Long Fight for Independence

Instructors

Yohanan Petrovsky-Shtern
847/467-3399
Harris Hall - Room 317

Jordan Luc Gans-Morse

Ian C Kelly

Meeting Info

Lutkin Hall: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

The Road to War: Ukraine's Long Fight for Independence

This team-taught interdisciplinary course draws upon the three instructors' research and professional experiences in Ukraine to offer unique perspectives on Ukraine's history, politics, and relations with the Euro-Atlantic community. The course will provide students with an understanding of Ukraine's distinct identity within Europe, its centuries-long struggle with Moscow's domination and denial of that identity, and its current geopolitical importance for both NATO and Russia. The last several weeks of the course will provide context for and examine the events leading up to Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which initiated the largest land war in Europe since World War II. As a final project, students will develop policy proposals for how the U.S. and the international community should resolve the most significant geopolitical crisis of the 21st century.

Teaching Method

Two lectures per week & one discussion section

Class Materials (Required)

Serhii Plokhy, The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine ‎Basic Books, 2021. ISBN: 978-1541675643

Associated Classes

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-319: Thurs 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Parkes Hall 212: Thurs 4:00PM - 4:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-325: Thurs 5:00PM - 5:50PM

DIS - Parkes Hall 214: Thurs 5:00PM - 5:50PM