Vladimir Putin believes that "Russians and Ukrainians (are) one people - a single whole". Ukrainians disagree. This course looks at a conflict that has its origins stretching back a millenium in history. From the Kievan Rus federation in the 9th century which unified the two countries, through the Mongol invasions and then the evolution of the modern states of Russia and Ukraine, we look at the alternating domination of these two peoples and their eventual divergence in modern times. We try to ascertain if the claims of history favour Putin’s claim that Ukraine is an integral part of Russia or if Ukraine’s claims to separation and independence are valid.

DELIVERY MODE

• Hybrid (F2F & Online simultaneously)

COURSE OUTLINE

• The first common kingdom in Medieval times and under the Kievan Rus centuries.
• The effects of the Mongol invasion and the slow annexation by Russia of Ukraine in early modern times
• The creation of the Soviet Union and the role that Ukraine played in that union
• 1991 break-up of the Soviet Union and the complete independence of Ukraine

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, student should be able to:

1. Have an understanding of the cultural, language and ethnic ties and differences between the two countries from medieval times
2. Understand the relative positions of Kiev and Moscow in the relationship and under the Russian emperors
3. Gain an understanding of the role the Soviet Union played in bringing the two countries together, whether happily or not