Central and Eastern European Studies: Russia and Eastern Europe - the Present and the Past

<p>How is history used to shape identity in today’s Russia and Eastern Europe? This course gives you tools to analyse how countries seek closer ties with Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union. Through concrete examples and critical analysis, you’ll gain insight into how history creates meaning.</p><p>During the course you will explore how history influences how people see themselves and their country - especially in countries like Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. You’ll study key events both before and after the fall of the Soviet Union, such as the 1917 revolution, the terror of the 1930s, World War II, the Cold War and the collapse of communism. </p><p>You’ll gain tools to analyse how different historical narratives are used to build national, religious, and cultural identities. You will also look at how Russia and its neighbouring countries have developed compared to the rest of Europe, and how they relate to Europeanisation and the idea of a shared European identity. </p><p>Through concrete examples and critical analysis, you’ll deepen your understanding of how history is used today - both as a political tool and as a foundation for democratic values. You’ll learn to discuss and evaluate research and gain insights that help you understand complex social issues in both a European and global context.</p>