The informational and methodological aspects of teaching the History of the World War II at Russian universities (experience of the Mordovian State Pedagogical University)
Introduction: today we are witnessing an active phase of information struggle for history, which poses serious challenges for teachers of high school. The task of forming a positive view of the historical path of Russia, a positive image of the Motherland among students becomes fundamental. In this regard, the importance of teaching the history of World War II in higher education institutions is increasing. The victory of the Soviet Union in the war is a symbol, a value that makes Russian society stronger today, unites citizens of the Russian Federation, gives pride in our history and faith in the possibility of overcoming any difficulties. It is extremely important to pay serious attention to the content of the disciplines telling the history of the Second World War, the methodology and methods of teaching this subject. Materials and Methods: domestic and foreign authors’ scientific works on the World War II history, as well as educational and methodological literature on the issues under consideration served as materials of the study. The principle of historism, comparative-historical and descriptive methods are used to solve the problems set by the authors. Results: the Mordovian State Pedagogical Institute has accumulated rich and interesting experience in teaching the Second World War history in the system of humanitarian higher education. Topics related to the history of World War II are studied by students within the framework of basic historical disciplines, such as «Contemporary History of the Countries of the West», «Contemporary History of Russia», as well as elective courses such as «Problems of Modern and Contemporary History in School Course», «History and Culture of the USA» and «Significant problems of the Great Patriotic War». The following topics of lectures and seminar classes are offered within the disciplines: «World War II: causes, character, results», «International relations in the years of World War II», «Creation and activities of the antifascist coalition», «Historiography of World War II». Discussion and Conclusions: having studied the educational process at the Mordovian State Pedagogical University, it can be concluded that Russian students receive adequate and complete knowledge of the World War II history. Students are taught systematic work with information, instilled skills of searching for verified information. The skills of students to work with representative sources to make assessments and judgements are significant. The student is taught to understand that history is not a repeater of fact. It interprets and comprehends facts.