Introduction to Estonian and East European Studies
Course code
EKK7409.HT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Sissejuhatus Eesti ja Ida-Euroopa uuringutesse
Course title in English
Introduction to Estonian and East European Studies
ECTS credits
6.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2025/2026 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2026/2027 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
To provide the foundation for acquiring introductory knowledge of Estonian studies and East European studies in the broadest sense – a general introduction to cultures, languages, history, geopolitics, and societies. The goal is to create the preconditions for synthesizing the acquired knowledge.
Brief description of the course
The main principles of area studies, along with a brief overview of the geopolitical, historical, and cultural background of both Estonia and the countries of Eastern Europe. Topics include nationalism and questions of identity, as well as the relationship between language and identity. General lectures are held jointly for both majors, while more specific lectures and seminars are conducted separately.
In the Estonian studies component, the focus is on key aspects of Estonian society and culture (e.g. traditional culture, e-Estonia, education in Estonia, national self-image, and similar topics).
In the Eastern European studies component, the focus is on similarities and differences between East European states and their relations with historical heritage. The issues of imperialism, colonialism, nationalism will be discussed in relation to particular cases within the region.
Throughout the course, there will be seminar discussions based on both literary and theoretical texts, as well as field trips (e.g., to the e-Estonia Briefing Centre).
In the Estonian studies component, the focus is on key aspects of Estonian society and culture (e.g. traditional culture, e-Estonia, education in Estonia, national self-image, and similar topics).
In the Eastern European studies component, the focus is on similarities and differences between East European states and their relations with historical heritage. The issues of imperialism, colonialism, nationalism will be discussed in relation to particular cases within the region.
Throughout the course, there will be seminar discussions based on both literary and theoretical texts, as well as field trips (e.g., to the e-Estonia Briefing Centre).
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- describes the fundamental concepts of regional studies and explains their practical applications in the context of Estonia and Eastern Europe;
- connects the geopolitical, historical, and cultural development of Estonia and Eastern European countries with contemporary social and political phenomena;
- is familiar with key areas of Estonian society and culture (e.g., traditional culture, e-state development, education system, national self-image) and is able to interpret them from a comparative perspective;
- critically analyzes historical and social similarities and differences among Eastern European countries, understanding their connection to historical heritage;
- critically analyzes literary and theoretical texts, applying appropriate academic skills in seminars and discussions, either individually or in teamwork;
- actively participates in field trips and discussions, relates experiences to course topics, and reflects on the significance of learning in a broader cultural and societal context.
- describes the fundamental concepts of regional studies and explains their practical applications in the context of Estonia and Eastern Europe;
- connects the geopolitical, historical, and cultural development of Estonia and Eastern European countries with contemporary social and political phenomena;
- is familiar with key areas of Estonian society and culture (e.g., traditional culture, e-state development, education system, national self-image) and is able to interpret them from a comparative perspective;
- critically analyzes historical and social similarities and differences among Eastern European countries, understanding their connection to historical heritage;
- critically analyzes literary and theoretical texts, applying appropriate academic skills in seminars and discussions, either individually or in teamwork;
- actively participates in field trips and discussions, relates experiences to course topics, and reflects on the significance of learning in a broader cultural and societal context.
Teacher
Piret Viires
Study programmes containing that course