Teaching History of Ukrainian Culture in English: A Cultural Narrative Approach for International Relations Students

The article explores the educational potential of teaching the course History of Ukrainian Culture in English for International Relations students through the application of a cultural narrative approach. The relevance of the study is determined by the growing importance of cultural diplomacy, international communication, and the need to prepare specialists capable of presenting Ukraine’s historical and cultural heritage within the global context. In this perspective, the history of Ukrainian culture is considered not merely as a collection of historical facts but as a system of meanings, symbols, and narratives that shape national identity and influence the ways Ukraine is represented internationally. The aim of the study is to substantiate the educational potential of a cultural narrative approach to teaching the History of Ukrainian Culture in English for students of International Relations. The article analyses theoretical approaches to the concept of cultural narrative, examines the possibilities of integrating cultural content with English-medium instruction, and identifies the role of cultural narratives in developing students’ intercultural competence. The proposed course model is based on the thematic organization of educational material around key cultural narratives representing historical memory, cultural heritage, national identity, and symbolic dimensions of Ukrainian culture. The practical significance of the research lies in demonstrating the potential of English as a medium of professional communication and international representation of Ukrainian cultural heritage. The proposed approach contributes to students’ ability to interpret cultural phenomena, use academic and professional terminology in English, participate in intercultural dialogue, and represent Ukraine in international contexts. The findings of the study may be applied in designing humanities-oriented educational components for students majoring in International Relations.