Ukraine: The (Un)finished Second World War

Delve into the complex history of Ukraine's role in World War II. Beyond the familiar narratives of the Red Army and Soviet propaganda, discover a nuanced and often overlooked wartime experience. This course, guided by leading Ukrainian scholars, explores the multifaceted impact of the war on Ukraine's people, territories, and national identity – a history with lasting consequences.

Explore key topics including the Ukrainian question within the global context, and the ongoing memory wars that continue to shape historical narratives both regionally and internationally. Understand how Ukraine, divided between empires and targeted by both Nazi and Soviet regimes, navigated a devastating conflict and continues to grapple with its legacy.

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of Ukraine's history and its contemporary challenges, rooted in the experiences of World War II. You'll gain insights into:

• The distinct wartime experience of Ukraine: Examining its unique position between competing powers.
• The impact of Nazi occupation and Soviet control: Understanding the devastating consequences of both regimes.
• The "memory wars": Exploring how historical narratives are contested and shaped in the 21st century.
• The global implications of the conflict: Analyzing the broader geopolitical ramifications of the war in Ukraine.

The course features carefully curated primary and secondary sources, including documents, roadmaps, and additional reading materials, alongside engaging video lectures.

Learn from renowned Ukrainian historians:

• Dr. Oleksandr Maievskyi: Expert in World War II, collective memory, propaganda, and visual communication.
• Dr. Tetiana Pastushenko: Specialist in civilian victims, Soviet POWs, Nazi occupation, oral history, and memory studies.
• Vasyl Pavlov: Military historian and Head of the NGO Centre for Military History, currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
• Dr. Yana Prymachenko: Researcher in Soviet history, World War II, and memory politics in Central and Eastern Europe.

Narrated by Vitalii Pashchenko and Rachel McVey, this online course, "Ukraine: The (Un)finished Second World War," is a collaborative effort between the Ukrainian Institute and EdEra. All visuals and materials are sourced from publicly accessible resources for educational purposes.