Ukrainian Language and Literature
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide a knowledge of the essentials of Ukrainian grammar (phonology and morphology) and to develop the ability to communicate, orally and in writing, in a number of straightforward situations. It also introduces students to some aspects of the culture and literature of modern and contemporary Ukraine.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: elementary knowledge of Ukrainian language; basic knowledge of modern and contemporary Ukrainian culture and literature. Applying knowledge and understanding: understanding familiar words and basic sentences; using simple phrases and sentences to talk about everyday topics; understanding and interpreting at least two Ukrainian literary texts in Italian translation.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
This course provides a theoretical and practical introduction to the Ukrainian language. During the classes, students will be introduced to the phonetic system and to the essential elements of the morphology of nouns, adjectives, pronouns, and verbs. Grammar instruction will be complemented by introductory conversation practice.
Considerable attention will also be devoted to various aspects of Ukrainian culture and everyday life in order to foster the spontaneous use of the most common communicative structures and to develop and consolidate vocabulary.
The classes of the third module will focus on the history of Ukrainian literature and the reading of selected texts. Grammatical study will be accompanied by the reading and stylistic and thematic analysis of key works of modern and contemporary Ukrainian literature. Authors studied will include Taras Shevchenko, Olha Kobylianska, Lesia Ukrainka, Mykola Khvylovy, Vasyl Stus, and Haska Shyyan.
This syllabus is valid until September 2028.
Considerable attention will also be devoted to various aspects of Ukrainian culture and everyday life in order to foster the spontaneous use of the most common communicative structures and to develop and consolidate vocabulary.
The classes of the third module will focus on the history of Ukrainian literature and the reading of selected texts. Grammatical study will be accompanied by the reading and stylistic and thematic analysis of key works of modern and contemporary Ukrainian literature. Authors studied will include Taras Shevchenko, Olha Kobylianska, Lesia Ukrainka, Mykola Khvylovy, Vasyl Stus, and Haska Shyyan.
This syllabus is valid until September 2028.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is open to all undergraduate and graduate students. No previous knowledge of Ukrainian is required.
Teaching methods
The teaching method consists of lectures, group work, class discussions, and the presentation of written and oral assignments.
Teaching Resources
Rumyantsev, Oleg. Lingua ucraina. Corso teorico-pratico. Rome: Aracne, 2017.
Storia della letteratura ucraina, edited by Alessandro Achilli, Giovanna Brogi, Maria Grazia Bartolini, Vera Faber, Alexander Kratochvil, Ulrich Schmid, Alois Woldan, Mondadori Università, 2026.
Achilli, Alessandro, and Yaryna Grusha (eds.). Poeti d'Ucraina. Milan: Mondadori, Specchio, 2022.
Brogi, Giovanna, and Oxana Pachlovska. Taras Ševčenko: Dalle carceri zariste al Pantheon ucraino. Milan: Mondadori Education, 2015.
Kobyl'jans'ka, Ol'ha. Donne di Bucovina: quattro novelle ucraine. Translated by Giovanna Brogi. Rome: Elliot Edizioni, 2024.
Kostenko Lina, Sulle rive del fiume eterno. Translated by Giovanna Brogi and oxana Pachlovska. Roma, Castelvecchi, 2022.
Šuvalova, Iryna. Canzoni alla fine. Translated by Alessandro Achilli and Yaryna Grusha. Novara: Interlinea, 2025.
Shyyan, Haska. Alle sue spalle. Translated by Alessandro Achilli. Turin: Casa Editrice Berti, 2025.
Ukrajinka, Lesja. Il canto della foresta. Edited by Yaryna Grusha. Milan: Mondadori, 2024.
Further bibliographical guidance will be provided to students for the preparation of their oral presentation, on a topic to be agreed upon in advance with the instructor.
Storia della letteratura ucraina, edited by Alessandro Achilli, Giovanna Brogi, Maria Grazia Bartolini, Vera Faber, Alexander Kratochvil, Ulrich Schmid, Alois Woldan, Mondadori Università, 2026.
Achilli, Alessandro, and Yaryna Grusha (eds.). Poeti d'Ucraina. Milan: Mondadori, Specchio, 2022.
Brogi, Giovanna, and Oxana Pachlovska. Taras Ševčenko: Dalle carceri zariste al Pantheon ucraino. Milan: Mondadori Education, 2015.
Kobyl'jans'ka, Ol'ha. Donne di Bucovina: quattro novelle ucraine. Translated by Giovanna Brogi. Rome: Elliot Edizioni, 2024.
Kostenko Lina, Sulle rive del fiume eterno. Translated by Giovanna Brogi and oxana Pachlovska. Roma, Castelvecchi, 2022.
Šuvalova, Iryna. Canzoni alla fine. Translated by Alessandro Achilli and Yaryna Grusha. Novara: Interlinea, 2025.
Shyyan, Haska. Alle sue spalle. Translated by Alessandro Achilli. Turin: Casa Editrice Berti, 2025.
Ukrajinka, Lesja. Il canto della foresta. Edited by Yaryna Grusha. Milan: Mondadori, 2024.
Further bibliographical guidance will be provided to students for the preparation of their oral presentation, on a topic to be agreed upon in advance with the instructor.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The oral examination is divided into two (6 CFU exam) or three (9 CFU exam) parts.
In the first part, students will be asked to read a text in Ukrainian in order to assess their knowledge of phonetics, orthoepy, and grammar covered during Unit A.
The second part consists of a brief conversation in Ukrainian (approximately five to six sentences) with the instructor. The topics and the necessary vocabulary for the conversation will be covered during the course.
Students taking the 9 CFU version of the course will also be examined on Module C, devoted to literature. During the final class, students will give a short oral presentation on a topic of their choice, previously agreed upon with the instructor. Students unable to attend the final class may present their work during the examination; however, attendance at the final session is strongly encouraged in order to promote discussion among students.
During the oral examination, students will also be asked additional questions on the literary topics covered in the course.
The final grade will be proposed at the end of the examination, on the basis of the three assessment components. Students may either accept or decline the grade. Should a student choose not to accept the proposed grade, they may retake the examination during a subsequent examination session.
In the first part, students will be asked to read a text in Ukrainian in order to assess their knowledge of phonetics, orthoepy, and grammar covered during Unit A.
The second part consists of a brief conversation in Ukrainian (approximately five to six sentences) with the instructor. The topics and the necessary vocabulary for the conversation will be covered during the course.
Students taking the 9 CFU version of the course will also be examined on Module C, devoted to literature. During the final class, students will give a short oral presentation on a topic of their choice, previously agreed upon with the instructor. Students unable to attend the final class may present their work during the examination; however, attendance at the final session is strongly encouraged in order to promote discussion among students.
During the oral examination, students will also be asked additional questions on the literary topics covered in the course.
The final grade will be proposed at the end of the examination, on the basis of the three assessment components. Students may either accept or decline the grade. Should a student choose not to accept the proposed grade, they may retake the examination during a subsequent examination session.
Modules or teaching units
Part A and B
L-LIN/21 - SLAVIC STUDIES - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Part C
L-LIN/21 - SLAVIC STUDIES - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours