Description
The course is dedicated to an overview of problems in Lithuanian history from the earliest times to the present day. The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was shared by Lithuanians, Poles, Belarusians, Ukrainians, Jews, and many other nations. Moreover, it was an important international actor whose diplomatic and cultural connections reached France, the Italian and German states. In the 19th century, under Russian rule, and in the 20th century, reborn, Lithuania became much smaller and more ethnically homogeneous than the former Grand Duchy. Nevertheless, over the past one hundred and fifty years, Lithuania has remained an active participant in Europe and, due to emigration, in the world as well. How is Lithuania’s historical heritage divided today? How do propaganda wars and geopolitical tensions appear in this context? How does the past influence the political and cultural processes taking place today in Lithuania and other countries of the region?
Aim of the course
To provide students with an understanding of the development of Lithuanian history, using the context of countries that have had close contact with it: Belarus, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Italy, Russia, etc
Course content
1. Introductory lecture: the idea of the course, assignments, etc. 2. Belarus. Creation of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Special attention to the 13th century 3. Germany. Conflict between Cristian and Pagan worlds. Drang nach Osten. The 14th century. 4. Ukraine. The Lithuanian empire and the Ruś. Special attention to the 15th century. 5. Mid term #1 6. Poland. The Union. Special attention to the 16th century 7. France. Lithuania as an European actor. Special attention to the 17th century. 8. Italy. Art and architecture. The 18th century. 9. Mid term #2 10. Russia. The greatest threat. Special attention to the 19th century. 11. The Baltic states. The (failed) Nordic orientation. Special attention to the first half of the 20th century. 12. Jewish-Lithuanian relationships: a case study from the middle of the 20th century. 13. USA. Emigration and its impact on Lithuania. Special attention to the second part of the 20th century. 14. European Union‘s perspective: History of modern times. 15. Feedback on the mid-terms: general remarks
Assesment Criteria
Student essays are evaluated by comparing one to another according to the following parameters: 1. Maturity of the essay text: deep or superficial. 2. Literature used. The ability to find and select literature related to the assigned essay topic is assessed. 3. Student progress during the semester (comparison of one essay for assessment with another essay for assessment) Note: more detailed evaluation criteria are explained during specially designated and pre-announced lecture parts.