The Ukrainian Program at Yale University, offers students an unparalleled opportunity to engage with Ukrainian language and culture, a pursuit of growing global significance.
Each year courses in Ukrainian for beginners, First Year (L1 and L2), and intermediate Ukrainian speakers, Second Year (L3 and L4), are taught on campus.
In today’s world, where Ukraine stands as a symbol of resilience and freedom, studying its language and rich cultural heritage has never been more important. Ukrainian is widely celebrated as one of the most melodic languages, making it a pleasure to learn. Our program provides access to exceptional resources, including visits from distinguished poets, scholars, and cultural figures, fostering a vibrant academic community.
Through our courses, students explore the depths of Ukrainian history, literature, and intellectual thought, while participating in numerous extracurricular activities that extend beyond the classroom. The Ukrainian Program at Yale aims to cultivate a deep understanding of Ukraine’s contributions to world culture and promote engagement with its contemporary issues through lectures, workshops, and collaborative events with leading scholars.
Each semester language courses are offered at the elementary level and culture courses will be available for students.
The a two-term introduction to Ukrainian for students with no previous knowledge of the language. Emphasis on speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. Topics, vocabulary, and grammar lessons based on everyday linguistic interactions.
Review and reinforcement of grammar fundamentals and of core vocabulary pertaining to common aspects of daily life. Special attention to verbal aspect and verbs of motion. Emphasis on continued development of oral and written communication skills on topics such as the self, family, studies and leisure, travel, and meals.
The course is for students who wish to develop their mastery of Ukrainian. Original texts and other materials drawn from classical and contemporary Ukrainian literature, press, electronic media, film, and the Internet are designed to give students familiarity with linguistic features typical of such functional styles as written and spoken, formal and informal, scientific and newspaper language, jargon, slang, etc.
Course taught through distance learning using videoconferencing technology from Columbia University. Enrollment limited; interested students should e-mail sci-cls@yale.edu for more information.
Students view works in the collection’s storage with the curator.
Students in the Elementary Ukrainian course experienced an enriching exploration of art, history, and storytelling. They engaged with The Juncture: Ukrainian Artists in Search of Modernity and Identity, showcasing works by Bohomazov, Archipenko, and Yermilov, highlighting Ukraine’s modernist contributions.
At the Russian Center, they reflected on 5k From the Frontline, a moving portrayal of life in Donbas during wartime. They explored rare books, manuscripts, and Ukrainian-language posters, deepening their cultural and linguistic connection in a thought-provoking and impactful setting.
Students meet with David Gutnik, director, for a conversation about the film.
The Ukrainian Program hosted a screening of Rule of Two Walls (2023) by Ukrainian-American filmmaker David Gutnik. The documentary captures Ukrainian artists using their craft as resistance amidst war, exploring resilience and cultural identity. Gutnik joined for a Q&A, discussing the challenges of filming in conflict zones. Students also engaged with the film’s director of photography, Volodymyr Ivanov, who shared his experiences documenting war and its emotional toll. The event emphasized the vital role of visual storytelling in preserving history and fostering cultural resilience.
The Ukrainian Program joined Ukraine House at Yale for two impactful events exploring the human cost of war and the resilience of Ukraine’s youngest generation to highlight the power of art and storytelling.
A screening of A House Made of Splinters, an Oscar-nominated documentary by Azad Safarov, offered an intimate look at children’s lives in a shelter near the frontlines.
The panel inspired by Through the Eyes of Children: Quotes from Childhood Interrupted by War in Ukraine, brought together contributors, including 10-year-old illustrator Tania Vovk to underscore resilience and creativity.
This round table brought together prominent figures from the Melpomene Tavria Theater Festival. Panelists shared personal stories of life under occupation, forced relocations, and their continued artistic endeavors amidst war.
Vitaliiia Babuschak’s screening of Don’t Talk Politics sparked a rich discussion on democracy, history, and identity, weaving powerful personal stories of resilience into themes of art’s role in confronting truths.
Students explored the acclaimed exhibition The Juncture: Ukrainian Artists in Search of Modernity and Identity, which featured works by Oleksandr Bohomazov, Alexander Archipenko, and Vasyl Yermilov.
Students discovered Slavic Halloween traditions and crafted traditional Ukrainian dolls, learning about their protective symbolism and cultural significance in Ukrainian folklore.
First-year students Jack Leydiker and Mike York achieved a milestone with their translations of Ukrainian poetry by Marianna Kiyanovska and Yulia Musakovska selected for Yale’s Journal of Literary Translation.
Marianna Kiyanovska, award-winning Ukrainian poet, shared reflections on The Voices of Babyn Yar, exploring memory, resilience, and the universal impact of historical trauma amid Ukraine’s ongoing war.
The Ukrainian Program hosted an intimate conversation with poet Marianna Kiyanovska, offering students profound insights into her creative process, poetry’s power, and art’s role in navigating history and resilience.
The Ukrainian Program hosted a screening of Rule of Two Walls (2023) by David Gutnik, followed by a conversation with the director and Volodymyr Ivanov, exploring art, resilience, and the ethics of filmmaking during war.
The Ukrainian Program joined Ukraine House at Yale for two powerful events: a screening of A House Made of Splinters and a panel on Through the Eyes of Children, highlighting war’s impact and resilience.
Elementary Ukrainian students concluded the semester with a creative final exam at the Yale Art Gallery, using their language skills to discuss art and celebrating the intersection of language, art, and culture.
Students explored the art of traditional Ukrainian Easter egg decoration, using wax and paint to create intricate designs while learning the cultural meanings and history behind this cherished tradition.
The department runs a full Russian language program with courses ranging from the Novice level to Advanced High.
The Ukrainian Program offers students an unparalleled opportunity to engage with Ukrainian language and culture, a pursuit of growing global significance.
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