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Looking beyond history: Dr. Ostap Sereda teaches ‘Society, Culture, and Identities in Modern Eastern Europe: Ukraine in Context’

Dr. Ostap Sereda has joined Bard College Berlin’s guest faculty this semester to teach the course ‘Society, Culture, and Identities in Modern Eastern Europe: Ukraine in Context.’

Sereda had been teaching modern history at Ukrainian Catholic University and Central European University, and after the Russian invasion of Ukraine became the Program Director of the transnational academic project Invisible University for Ukraine.

Since arriving at BCB, Sereda has enjoyed how open-minded, dynamic, and friendly the academic community of BCB is. “Sometimes Berlin seems a little gloomy,” he notes, “but as soon as I walk to the campus, I sense that I am entering the terrain of a thriving student republic—so many smiling, friendly faces and interesting talks around.”

His course on modern Ukrainian history analyzes historical transformations in Ukraine in a broader East European regional dimension. “The class is structured as a history course, but we address and discuss the issues that are relevant today,” Sereda explains. “This approach helps to avoid essentialization and mythologization, and it helps to understand the current situation not as given, but as constantly developing. I think it is also important that students realize that we are not doomed by history but should look beyond it.”

Sereda notes that the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine makes this course particularly relevant for students. He says, “It is simply not possible to ignore the war if one lives in Berlin today. War became a significant part of the multifaceted unprecedented challenge that this generation of students has to take on.” 

Of the students enrolled in the course, half are from Ukraine and the other half from a variety of nationalities. Sereda notes that the classroom has been marked by mutual respect, support, and interest. “The course is important for Ukrainian students,” Sereda explains, “as it allows them to address and rethink the existing conceptual frameworks and paradigms based on their unique experience. And non-Ukrainian students can not only learn something new about this country and region, but also find new perspectives for addressing the questions that other societies, including their own, are facing.” He adds, “Together with my students, I also learn how to combine the empathetic view of an insider with the critical approach of a reflective analyst under new wartime conditions.”

Next semester, Sereda will offer a course on East European exile scholarship during the Cold War, a topic that is connected to his current line of research.

By: Sophia Paudel, Bard College Berlin Communications

Post Date: 10-24-2024
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