The Search for National Identity in the University Environment (on the Materials of Memories of Kharkiv and Kiev Universities in the First Half of the XIX Century)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the process of forming a national identity which is regarded as a definite construct, among the members of Kiev and Kharkiv university corporations at the stage of the formation of universities. Based on the memories of professors and students, the author analyzes different strategies for building a personal level of national identity by the representatives of the university corporation. Consideration being given to the official policy of the Russian government towards universities, specific local environment in which they functioned, and personal experience of memoirists.