THE DEPARTMENT OF WORLD LITERATURE AND CULTURE
The work of literature and culture department of Kherson state university which is headed now by Doctor of Philology, professor, Honoured Art Worker of Ukraine, academician of Russian Academy of Pedagogical and Social Sciences O.V. Mishukov was defined for the last three years (2005 – 2008) by leading trends of generally university activities directed on decision of actual problems of modern teacher training and complex scientific themes which study world and Ukrainian literary process in social and cultural context. Clearing up of the themes provided the analysis of world literature thematic and genre spectrum, dynamic and functioning of its aesthetic reference point, polyaspect analysis of creative phenomena in their connection with national and world ethnocultural tradition, research of diachronic and synchronic processes in fiction systems of different epochs, determination of ways of decision of the polyculture problem in dependence on specific historical and cultural conditions and etc. The department also paid attention to the problems of international contacts of Ukrainian literature and its place in all-European cultural tread, the peculiarity of adoption of some phenomena of European literature on Ukrainian ethnocultural ground was cleared up. A number of articles published by the department lecturers in all-Ukrainian and international profession editions, scientific collections confirmed by Higher Certificate Committee and other regional and international sources clears up various aspects of literary situation in different epochs and countries: questions about Ukrainian, Russian and West European literary and cultural mutual relation, problems connected with studying of cultural phenomena, art figures, facts of West and East countries literary life and so on. The talk is about Doctors of Philology, professors O.V. Mishukov, O.E. Bondareva, L.G. Frizman, Z.V. Kyryluk, G.A. Tchumachenko, N.I. Il’inska, Candidate of philology science, professor L.S. Lytvynenko, Candidate of pedagogical science, professor N.Y. Nevyarovych, Candidate of philological science, professor T.V. Khoma, Doctor of Pedagogy, professor L.B. Kulykova, Candidate of philological science, professor O.G. Shtepenko, Candidate of philological science, professor S.I. Belyayeva, Candidate of philological science, professor A.A. Vysotskyi, Candidate of philological science, professor T.Y. Tomilina, Candidates of philological science, assistant professors of the department S.V. Kuznetsov and A.V. Kochetov, senior lecturers and assistants O.V. Levchenko, I.V. Solovtsova, O.V. Gorbonos, O.Y. Belyayeva, O.S. Melnikov, E.Y. Ukolov and others.
For appointed period special attention was aimed at studying the fiction-documentary genres. In particular the social-hictorical and gnoseological nature were accentuated and determination of their role in the development of European literature was accentuated as well. This aspect is the central one in the activity of professor Mishukov’s scientific school “Specificity of Fiction-Documentary Genres in Historical and Literary Context”. During the last years in Kherson and university publishers were edited about 20 collections of scientific works “South Archives. Philological Sciences.” where different aspects of the researched problem were cleared up. Some of the department collaborators (professors O.V. Mishukov, L.S. Lytvynenko, T.V. Khoma, T.Y. Tomilina, A.A. Vysotskyi) came out with their articles and reviews in the central printing and profession editions where stated their conception of the fiction-documentary genres peculiarities and their place in the different epochs literary process.
Since 2004 the department lecturers have been taking part in the work of specialized academic council on defence of a thesis in speciality 10.01.01. – Ukrainian Literature, 10.01.02. – Russian Literature headed by professor O. Mishukov. For the indicated period 29 thesis were defended. For the period of 2005 – 2008 successful defence of 4 thesis where some questions of theory and history of fiction-documentary genres were studied has taken place. Essentially these works were directed on the investigation of genre and style character of the literature of XIX century. Due to the direction worked S.V. Kuznetsov and A.V. Kochetov who investigated the problem on the material of Russian historical prose of the 30th years of the XIX century and O.V. Drujinin’s “Diary”. Professor T.Y. Tomilina published the monograph “Russian Military Memoiristics (the first third of the XIX century)” (Kherson: Ailant, 2007. – 228 p.). The monograph accumulated her scientific experience gained during her work over the thesis on the same theme. The scientific supervisor of those lecturers Doctor of Philology, professor O.V. Mishukov in 2007 published his monograph “Russian Memoiristics of the First Part of the XIX Century: Problems of Genre and Style” in the publishing house “Ibidem” (Lodz, Poland).
Genre originality of the fiction-documentary prose scientists of the department connect first and foremost with the character of active genregenerating personal basis which allows to synthesize in definite text framework firstly the manifestations of individual author’s consciousness conditioned by unique originality of his personality and secondly the peculiarities of social and cultural conceptions of the epoch which influenced on the formation of historical psychology of a writer.
The specificity of the fiction-documentary genre is not one and only problem which is studied at the department. A whole number of works were aimed at clearing up scientific research state budget themes such as “European Dramatic Art and Theatre: Transcultural Discourse” “Fundamental Research at High Schools”; term of execution: 01.01.2005 – 31.12.2007) and “Ukraine in the Context of European Theatre and Dramatic Art of the XX Century” “Fundamental and Applied Researches at High Schools”, “Applied Researches”; terms of execution: 01.01.2008. – 31.12.2010). Since 2003 at the department scientific research laboratory “The History of European Theatre and Dramatic Art” was organized. During the last years the laboratory was headed by professor L.S. Lytvynenko.
As the original intermediate result of the department’s work over studying European dramatic art and theatre became scientific collections edited by professor O.V. Mishukov “Literature. Theatre. Society.” (Kherson: Ailant, 2005) and “Literature – Theatre – Society” in 2 volumes (Kherson: Ailant, 2007) which contain 135 articles. In 2006 the successful defence of O.E. Bondareva’s doctor thesis took place. The thesis investigated the problem of interaction of myth and drama in modern Ukrainian literary process.
Some of the department’s researchers focused their efforts on other direction. So, L.B. Kulykova in April 2006 defended doctor’s thesis “Classic Greek Roman Mythology in the Structure of School Historical Education” (speciality code 13.02). The theme is connected with two principal problems: 1) aesthetic ideal as the main creative power of aesthetic mentality in educational process; 2) national specific of school education. The aim of the author is to prove dialectical connection between these categories. Ideal is considered not as a “still” in artist’s imagination ideal image of a hero or human’s life but as a process. That’s why in the work gradually structural analysis of an aesthetic ideal is applied. It is made in world-view aspect and in psychological aspect. The world-view principles in aesthetic ideal of antiquity (social, anthropological, enlightenmental) are, to author’s opinion, common to mankind elements of the structure of aesthetic ideal of most posterior cultures. The national originality is made by their junction and functioning in the structural totality.
In September 2006 N.I. Il’inska defended the doctor’s thesis. The scientific research investigates the problems of specificity of concept sphere and typology of religious-poetic consciousness of Russian poetry at the turn of XX century and is consonant to one more theme of the department – “Christianity and Literature: The Problems of Interaction in Universal Cultural Context”. In the sphere of comprehension of N.I. Il’inska included such little or completely not worked out aspects of poetry art system of the XX century as concept sphere of religious-poetic consciousness at the turn of XX century in the aspect of Russian national mentality, questions about the “mechanisms” of cultural memory in the river-bed of Russian national and inner traditions. The scientist at the basis of studying the wide layer of Russian poetry at the turn of XX century analyses the specificity of artistic embodiment of the concepts of Russian Christ, Belief, holy pilgriming and so on. All these have never been the subject of fundamental investigation in native science. The basic results of the N.I. Il’inska’s researches are reflected in her monographs “Religious and Philosophic Quest in Russian Poetic Tradition at the Turns of the XX Century: Consciousness Specificity, Concept Sphere, Typology” (Kherson: Ailant, 2005), “Between Universe and God: Spiritual and Artistic Search of Yurii Kuznetsov” (Kherson: Ailant, 2008).
In the 16th of December 2005 the defence of T.V. Komarinets thesis “Russian Postmodern Literature of the End of XX Century – the Beginning of XXI Century: Style Modifications and Strategy of Artistic Search (based on the material of prose and drama” took place. There was represented the experience of generalization of properties and specific features of “late” Russian literary post-modernism.
The department lecturers (professors O.V. Mishukov, O.E. Bondareva, N.I. Il’inska, L.S. Lytvynenko, T.V. Khoma, O.G. Shtepenko, N.Y. Nevyarovich, A.A. Vysotskyi) repeatedly spoke out with reviews and comments about monographs, manuals, theses and author’s abstracts, took part in discussion concerning the theses and their recommendations for defence (the talk is about the comments of monofraphs of A.V. Kochetov “Literary-critical Creative Work of Russian writers-modernists: Genrelology, Composition, Rhythm, Style” (Donetsk, 2006), of O.E. Bondareva “Myth and Drama in Modern Literary Context: Renewal of the Structural Connection through Genre Modelling” (Kyiv, 2006), of L.V. Derbeniova “Archetype and Myth as Archaic Constituent Parts of Russian Realistic Literature of XIX Century” (Ivano-Frankivsk, 2007); theses of O.G. Khomchak “Author’s Position in I.O. Goncharov’s Novels”, of L.K. Yemelianova “Poshekhontsy and Poshekhonie in Russian literature”, U.O. Sirota “E. Grebinka’s Russian-language Prose in the Context of Russian Literature 1830-1840”, I.V. Kusnetsova “H.D. Alchevska’s Literature Works”, O.V. Gorbonos “Ukrainian Literature Fairy-tale of the 10-30s of the 19th century”, etc).
Members of the department organize and hold the university theoretical and practical conferences, different scientific events for professors, readers, lecturers and students. For example, the professors, readers, lecturers of the department took part in the International Lomidzev Reading (Moscow, 2006), All-Ukrainian Scientific conference “The 5th Korolenko’s Reading” (Poltava, 2006), the 2nd International Theatre symposium “Literature – Theatre – Society” (Kherson, 2007), the 7th International Forum of the Ukrainian Experts in Russian Language and Literature” (Yalta, 2007), the 7th International Forum of the Experts in Russian Language and Literature” (the Crimea, 2007), All-Ukrainian Scientific conference “The Actual Problems of the Contemporary Comparativistics” (Berdyansk, 2007), International scientific conference “The Ethnological Field of Language and Culture: the Actual Problems of Ethno Linguistics and Linguo-Culturology” (Kharkov, 2007), the 2nd Scientific conference “Remembrance of the Literature Works” (Moscow, IMLI RAS, 2007), International conference “Cross-Cultural Communications: Strategies of Education and Teaching Methods” (Simferopol, 2007), the 3rd Theatre symposium “Literature – Theatre – Society” (internet conference) (Kherson, 2008), All-Ukrainian Scientific and Methodic conference “Actual Problems of Study and Teaching History” (Kherson, 2008), the 7th International Forum of the Ukrainian Experts in Russian Language and Literature (Yalta, 2008), the 2nd Cyril and Methodius Reading (Sevastopol, 2008), the 7th International Scientific and Practical conference “ V.V. Kozhinov the Famous Literary Critic, Historian of the 20th Century” (Armavir, 2008), the 2nd Scientific conference “Memories of Literature Works. Michael’s Reading” (Moscow, 2007), the 2nd Scientific conference devoted to U. Kusnetsov’s literature works “Motherland’s Son” (Moscow, 2008).
The professors, readers, lecturers of the department of the World Literature and Culture organized and held the International Scientific Colloquium “Christianity and Freedom: the Problem of the Philosophic and Religion Conscience in F.M. Dostoevsky’s Works” (Kherson, 6 October, 2005), the 2nd International Theatre Symposium “Literature – Theatre – Society” (Kherson, 14-15 October, 2007), the 3rd Theatre symposium “Literature – Theatre – Society” (internet conference) (Kherson, 14 June, 2008), All-Ukrainian Methodic conference “Actual Problems of Study and Teaching History” (Kherson, 29-30 May, 2008).
Delegates from 5 countries such as Ukraine, Russia, Belgium, Switzerland took part in the International Colloquium “Christianity and Freedom”. European scientific dialog held between the representatives of Freeburg (Switzerland) and Kherson (KSU, Ukraine) universities. The form of the colloquium was chosen and realized for the maximum participation of every member in the discussion of the theme “Legends about the Great Inquisitor (the novel “Brothers Koromasovy” by F.M. Dostoevsky) in the European scientific, religious and humanitarian thought of the 19-20 centuries”.
The participants of the colloquium drew the conclusion that it was necessary to state the topic “The Image of Jesus Christ in the World Literature and Art” for the next International colloquium. Also they decided to involve professors, lecturers and students of the Institute of Foreign Languages and of the faculty of Culture and Art of Kherson State University to take part in different forms of scientific and public activity (round work tables, conferences, papers, summaries, theses for master’s and specialist’s degrees etc).
The international colloquium broadened the contacts between the scientists and clergymen, defined the general tendencies in the methodology of the scientific research in the field of religious and philosophic range of problems, deepened the traditions of the international communication initiated by Kherson State University and the department of the World Literature and Culture.
In the 2nd International Theatre symposium “Literature-Theatre-Society” took part delegates from Ukraine, Russia, Belorussia and other countries. The work in the sections of foreign and Ukrainian literature was devoted to the problems of theory and practice of the genre of drama, drama and other literature genres, traditions and innovations in Ukrainian and European dramatics, dramatics and its place in social, political and cultural life, language aspects of the dramatic work etc. Theses devoted to such problems as theatre and other forms of art; drama, religious and philosophic European traditions; theatre and the history of culture; European folklore and dramatics; contemporary state of the development of the theatric art in Ukraine and Europe, were discussed in the art and cultural studio.
The International Symposium was valid for the collaboration of scientists and cultural workers. It was stated theatre was a great source for the development of science and art, theatre involved the scientists in new researches and achievements. The participants of the International symposium noted the relevance of the discussed problems and offered interesting and scientifically valuable ways of their solution.
As the result of the scientific activities organized by the members of the department the HAC collected articles under the title “The Southern Archive. Philological Sciences” was published (chief editor O.V. Mishukov).
The professors, lecturers and readers of the department understand the role of the talented and creative youth in the solution of the urgent problems of society, in the increase of the contribution of Ukrainian culture and science in the international treasury of values, that is why promote students in their scientific and pedagogical work.
Future language and literature teachers and scientists write theses, take part in different conferences and work in problem groups. There are such problem groups: “Actual Problems of European and American Literature of the 20th century”, “Writer’s skill and the Literature Process”, “Problems of the Study of the Antic Mythology”, “Problem ‘people and authority’ in Russian Drama of the 19th Century”, “Russian Poetry at the Turns of the 20th Century”, ‘Functioning of the Documentary Genres in European Literature in the Renaissance Time”, “Development of Genre Forms in Russian Dramatics of the 19th century”, “Antic in the Artistic Conscience of the Artists of the Silver Age”, “Traditions of Gothic Prose in the Western European Literature of the 19th century”, “ Methodic Fund of Learning Foreign Literature at School” etc.).
Under the direction of the lecturers Solovtsova I.V. and Khoma T.V. students and undergraduate students pass the study course and different trainings. There is a methodic study by the department (the head of the study is H.A. Remenyak, key specialist associate professor L.H. Chervonenko). There students can get a consultation and read some special books.
A lot of attention is paid to the preparation of the books for learning foreign literature at school, books for school-leavers, students. In these books the latest achievements in modern philology and critical thought, demands of school and university programs, clearness, lucidity, availability of the material, are synthesized.
During this period professor O.V. Mishukov published course books “European Studios” (Kherson: Ailant, 2005), “History of Foreign Literature and Culture 5-17th centuries” (Kherson: Ailant, 2007), numerous articles devoted to the problems of the development of European and Ukrainian cultural tradition, to European theatre etc. Associate professor T.J. Tomilina published methodic recommendations ‘Lessons of Foreign Literature: Methodic Recommendations of Pedagogical Practice” (Kherson; Ailant, 2008). Associate professor A.A. Visotsky published the next course books “Marko Vovchok’s Literature Works at School” (Kherson: OSC KMD, 2005) and “Walter Scott. Life and Work. Novel ‘Ivanhoe’” (Kherson: Ailant, 2007). Professor L.B. Kulicova published “Program of the Classic Greek and Roman Mythology for Schools, Lyceums and sections of Minor Academy of Science” and “Course program ‘Ecological Culture of Antic’ for profile study in lyceums, schools and sections of Minor Academy of Science” (Kiev: Pulsary, 2005), “Course program ‘Ecological Culture of Antic’ for high-schools” (Kiev: Pulsary, 2008).
The professors of the department O.V. Mishukov, N.L. Ilinska, O.E. Bondareva, associate professors N.J. Nevyarovich, L.S. Litvinenko, T.V. Homa, O.H. Shtepenko, T.J. Tomilina, T.V. Konminarets, lecturers, assistants, aspirants I.V. Solovtsova, O.V. Levchenko, A. S. Melnikov, A.M. Samarin published numerous methodic materials devoted to the study of the history of foreign literature of the 17-20th century in Kiev specialized editions “Foreign Literature” and “World Literature at Ukrainian Schools”. The members of the department coordinated the scientific works of the students of The Academic Lyceum KSU (lecturers I.V. Solovtsova and O.V. Levchenko) and of South Ukraine Regional Institute of Post Degree Education of the Pedagogical Personnel (Kherson) (associate professor A.A. Visotsky).
The concrete groundwork of the members of the department concerning these problems were used in the development and correction of the study courses, plans for seminars and modules, tests, plans for theses. The department worked out and introduce the programs of courses and plans in such disciplines:
1. European Studios (pr. O.V. Mishukov).
2. Culturology (associate pr. S.I. Belyaeva, lecture H.M. Bahmatova).
3. Introduction to the study of literature (associate pr. A.V. Kochetov).
4. The history of foreign literature of the antic period (lecturer I.V. Solovtsova).
5. The history of foreign literature and culture of middle ages and Renaissance (pr. O.V. Mishukov).
6. The history of foreign literature and culture of the 5-17 centuries (pr. O.V. Mishukov).
7. The history of foreign literature of the 17-18 centuries (associate pr. A.A. Visotsky).
8. The history of foreign literature of the 19th century (the 1st half) (associate pr. T.V. Homa).
9. The history of foreign literature of the 19th century (the 2nd half) (associate pr. A.A. Visotsky).
10. The history of foreign literature of the 20th century (associate pr. N.J. Nevyarovich, O.H. Shtepenko).
11. The theory of literature (associate pr. A.A. Visotsky).
12. Methodic of the teaching of literature (lecturer I.V. Solovtsova).
13. Literature for kids (lecturer O.V. Levchenko).
14. Russian folk poetic works (associate pr. T.V. Homa).
15. Contemporary Ukrainian literature (lecturer O.V. Horbonos)
16. Specialized course “Postmodern literature” (associate pr. N.J. Nevyarovich).
17. Specialized course “The mail tendencies of the literature process at the end of the 20th century” (associate pr. N.J. Nevyarovich).
18. Specialized course “Latest achievements in foreign literature” (associate pr. N.I. Ilinska).
19. Specialized course “Literature of Silver Age” (associate pr. O.H. Shtepenko).
20. History of the world art culture (associate pr. S.V. Kusnetsov) etc.
Plans for future include the further study of the problems, points of theoretic, historic, cultural kind.
The activity of the department of the World Literature and Culture of the Institute of Foreign Languages KSU is directed at the preparation of high qualified specialists for scientific and teaching needs of society, for the exchange of the international scientific information in philological sphere, that means all the members of the department realize their benefit in the development of national education and science.