SLAVIC 490 A: Studies in Slavic Literatures

SLAVIC 490

Introduction to Ukrainian Literature and Culture

Spring 2019

Meeting time: T/Th, 1:30-2:20

Instructor: Lidiya Oryshchuk

Office: Padelford A215

e-mail: lidiyao@uw.edu

Office hours: T/Th 11:30-12:20 and by appointment

Description:

Provides an overview of Ukrainian culture: literature, film, music, theatre, art, and architecture, as well as an introduction to Ukrainian cultural life. Taught in English.

Required Texts:

Helbig, A., Buranbaeva, Oksana, & Mladineo, Vanja. (2009). Culture and customs of Ukraine (Culture and customs of Europe). Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press.

& Articles and chapters on canvas.

Recommended Texts:

You may wish to consider the following materials.

• Laada Bilaniuk. Contested Tongues: Language Politics and Cultural Correction in Ukraine. Ithaca, NY, USA, Cornell University Press, 2005. ISBN: 0801472792
• Andrew Wilson. The Ukrainians: Unexpected Nation. New Haven, CT, USA: Yale University Press, 2002. ISBN 0-300-09309-8
• Contemporary Ukraine on the Cultural Map of Europe Larissa M. L. Zaleska Onyshkevych and Maria G. Rewakowicz, eds. Armonk, NY. M. E. Sharpe, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-7656-2400-0
• Cybriwsky, R. (2014). Kyiv, Ukraine : The city of domes and demons from the collapse of socialism to the mass uprising of 2013-2014. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press.

Evaluations:

Reading discussions – 20%

Follow the reading schedule closely and be prepared to discuss assigned texts in class, contribute your comments and critical evaluations.

Cultural Commentaries – 40%

Comment on how the concepts discussed in weeks 1-3 (History, language, customs, holidays and cuisine) and 5-8 (Literature, Music, Art, Cinema, Pop culture) are used to shape identity and relate to concepts of another culture you know. 3-4 pages (spacing irrelevant). Commentary 1  - due April 30, Commentary 2  - due May 28.

Term paper –  40% (due June 13)

You should discuss your project with the instructor and by May 9 email the instructor with your topic and three references. You may choose one of the prompts below to help you come up with the paper topic:

• Compare and contrast a concept that you learned about in class with those from your home culture or culture you live in.
• Research a phenomena, event, or influential figure in Ukrainian history and/or culture that has not been discussed in class, relate what you learned about them to concepts studied in class.

Course Outline and Reading List