 |
This course focuses on ethnic relations in the six post-communist states of the former "Soviet West: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova. After a brief review of the historical experience of these regions, concentrating on the Soviet period, we will evaluate inter-nationality relations during the first decade and half of the post-Soviet era. Among the key questions to be addressed will be the following: (1) how have these six states and societies–with the exception of Moldova–avoided ethnic violence? (2) To what extent have the various ethnic groups–both titular and non-titular–in these states been integrated into a new civic nationality? (3) How has the role and status o f the titular nationalities changed since 1991? (4) How has the Russian population adjusted to becoming a "new minority"?
The format of the course will be based on discussion of common readings. The written work will include a 6-7-pp. book review and a 15-20-pp. research paper on a topic of each student’s choosing. Members of the course will also be expected to make an oral presentations on the book reviewed and on the subject of their research paper.
Goodbody Hall 157 | 1011 East 3rd St. | Bloomington, IN 47405-7005 | Phone: (812) 855-2233 | Fax: (812) 855-7500 | ceus@indiana.edu