Class Description
This course is about how different nations arose out of a common past and how their mutual relations developed. We will examine the nature of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from which they arose and how they came to differentiate themselves from each other. What were the consequences of major events on their mutual relations, such as the partitioning of the Commonwealth in the 18th century, foreign rule in the 19th century, and two world wars in the 20th century as well as the imposition and fall of Communist rule in these countries? What triggered the episodes of violence among them in the 1940s and how were they able to establish peaceful relations after the fall of Communism in 1989?
John J. Kulczycki received his PhD with distinction from Columbia University in East European History, which he taught for over twenty years at UIC. He has published four books and over thirty-five scholarly articles based on his research.
What to Expect
Format: In Person
Class Capacity: 24
Class Style: Mix of lecture and discussion; participation encouraged
Materials List
Required
- Timothy Snyder, The Reconstrction of Nations: Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, 1569-1999. Yale University Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780300105865
First Assignment
- For the first session, read Timothy Snyder, The Reconstruction of Nations: Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, 1569-1999, pp. ix-12.
A Brief Syllabus
- Introduction
- The Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Belarus: whose Fatherland?
- Ukraine as a borderland of empires and a multi-ethnic state
- The Modern Polish Nation-State
Cost and Registration
4 Sessions, $175 ($157.50 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($175), Community Supported ($160), and Sponsor ($190)Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
Having trouble signing up? Take a look at our step-by-step guide to registration by clicking here.
RegisterThe views and opinions expressed in this class and/or by the instructor are not necessarily representative of the Newberry. We aim to ensure that in our classes, participants can have respectful disagreement to foster critical thinking. This is a space to challenge and expand our own worldviews to work towards better understanding and appreciating humanity.
Support the Newberry
Your generosity is vital in keeping the library’s programs, exhibitions, and reading rooms free and accessible to everyone.
Make a GiftQuestions?
Call us at (312) 255-3700 or send us an email at adulteducation@newberry.org.
We are in office Tuesday through Thursday, 10 am–6 pm CT.
We are available by email Tuesday through Saturday.