Fall/Winter Timetable

POL414H1F L5101

Politics of Independent Ukraine

Themes

The course will focus on the pertinent challenges of transition from communism the post-Soviet states faced through an in-depth study of the politics of independent Ukraine. Some of these challenges include reforming the state and redefining the role it is to play in the economy and vis-à-vis the society, reforming the economic system and building a viable market economy, undergoing political transformation, constructing a national identity, formulating foreign policy. Although a substantial portion of the readings will be on Ukraine, students will be asked to read some theoretical pieces too and apply the main Political Science theories to explaining Ukrainian politics. The course will also aim to put Ukraine into a comparative perspective by drawing analogies with its eastern and western neighbours. Although some familiarity with Ukraine’s history and politics is desirable, it is not a pre-requisite for taking this course.

Texts

Course Kit.

Format and Requirements

One two-hour seminar per week. Course requirements TBA.