JOIN US FOR THE LAUNCH OF A SPRING SERIES OF EVENTS ABOUT UKRAINE, “THE GATEWAY TO EUROPE,” TO DISCOVER ITS STORIES, CULTURES, AND ANCIENT HISTORY.
Ukraine is an ancient, unique region with a culture formed by sweeping movements of people from the east to the west. Known as the “Gateway to Europe,” Ukraine’s stories, culture, and history are featured in this evening’s events that open the Ukrainian Project, setting the stage for future presentations. Learn about the earliest history of Ukraine and then how occurrences in the early 20th century helped bring about a sense of Ukrainian identity and set the stage for the warfare the country is experiencing today. Archaeology leads the way in identifying the remnants of past cultures while also working to help preserve a past for a future.
Generously Cosponsored by the University of St. Thomas and the Center for International Studies, the Ukrainian American Cultural Club of Houston, and the Ukrainian Consul General of Houston
RECEPTION
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Pre-event reception to meet speakers. Lobby of Jones Hall
TALK
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ukraine: an Ancient Gateway to Europe
Dr. Adam Rabinowitz, University of Texas.
The complex archaeology of present-day Ukraine goes back to the earliest periods of human history. The area has always been a place where different cultural groups met and exchanged ideas--a dynamic zone of experimentation and synthesis. From the mammoth-bone houses of the Upper Paleolithic, to the Greek colonies of the Black Sea coast and the Scythian nomad empire of the steppe, then to Byzantine cities and the territories of the Kyivan Rus', the peoples who settled Ukraine found novel ways to build communities and develop shared identities. This talk will provide an overview of Ukraine's past, with a particular focus on the ancient and medieval contact-zone of the steppe, and will also discuss the relation between this long history and modern Ukraine's threatened national identity.
PANEL DISCUSSION
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ukraine Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
Panelists: former UST Professor Richard Sindelar Research Fellow Baker Institute Rice University, Dr. Tuba Bilgic Associate Professor of International Studies University of St. Thomas, and Dr. Ursula Muenzel, International Business Consultant and Intercultural Coach and Speaker. Moderator Professor Eric Botts, Assistant Professor of International Studies University of St. Thomas. Panelists will discuss the current situation in Ukraine to include the European perspective, U.S. policy and its evolution since the start of the current conflict, and the global response.
FREE ADMISSION
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Reception: 6pm - 7pm
University of St. Thomas, Jones Hall
3910 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
Parking: $10 at Moran Parking Center
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