Russian Image in History Textbooks of the Post-Soviet States: To the Question of Updating the Module «History of Russia» in the Concept of a Comprehensive Exam for Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation as a Way of Adapting to Life in a Multicultural

Abstract

The article analyzes school and high school history textbooks of several post-Soviet countries (Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan), which have been studied in the frame of the test tasks assessment developed in the People's Friendship University for foreign nationals who are in compliance with federal law number 74 of the 1 January 2015 will have to pass a comprehensive exam in Russian language, Russian history and the basics of Russian Federation law. This applies to those who apply for the work permit, obtaining a patent, temporary residence and a residence permit on the territory of the Russian Federation. The analysis showed that the majority of post-Soviet countries went the way of teaching the younger generation through the nationalistic interpretation of history, creating textbooks where on the basis of anti-Russian sentiment form a mythological representation of the historical past of our nations. The article explains the meaning of inclusion in the test of the module "History of Russia" and the whole course of Russian history for foreigners as one of the most important means to adapt them to modern socio-cultural conditions in our country. It is emphasized that knowledge of historical traditions and cultural characteristics of the country of reception will promote a better understanding of Russian society and, consequently, the formation of a positive image of Russia.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1s2p48