LFU:online

Students are familiar with the cultural and historical foundations of the greater region of Eastern, Central Eastern and South-Eastern Europe and are able to critically reflect on culturally and/or politically determined spatial constructions.

Eastern and South-eastern Europe are more than just colourful terms, not to mention Central or even East-Central Europe. Their spatial demarcation is controversial and depends above all on the temporal context. Since 24 February 2022, supposed certainties have once again been called into question. It should be noted that both Eastern and Southeastern Europe often have a bad reputation in the "Western" imagination. The lecture will critically counter this image - primarily through information and (self-)reflection.

We have set ourselves the goal of analysing as comprehensively as possible the historical development and cultural construction (the "invention") of the larger areas of Eastern and South-Eastern Europe and their specific characteristics. We focus on key turning points and their cultural reflection (including the First World War and the transition period 1989-1991 and its aftermath). We will focus on nation-building and religions, including their aesthetics and cultural significance (including Orthodox Christianity with church building and icon painting), and we will use case studies to illustrate the traces of history and cultural diversity in the (South)Eastern part of Europe (Crimea, Czernowitz, Sarajevo). Sources for the lecture include historical documents as well as literary texts, films and media productions (e.g. the 9 May military parade in Moscow).

Lecture, text readings and discussions in class

Written exam at the end of semestre

will be announced

Due to the substantially different allocation of ECTS credits in the curriculum BA Slavonic Studies 2015 and in the curriculum BA Slavonic Studies 2024, there are different requirements for this course. You will receive information on this from the course instructor at the beginning of the course.