Vermenych Y. Historical Regional Studies in Ukraine: Theoretical and Methodological Problems.

Historical retrospective analysis of territorial structure of Ukraine carried out by the author stimulated theoretical and methodological substantiation of tasks and functions pertinent to the new scientific trend of historical regional studies as interdisciplinary knowledge (historical, geographical, economic and culturological). Problem area of the new trend and its subject-objectivity realm are outlined as well as corresponding set of terms is examined. Genetic-evolutional approach was applied for scanning the prolonged process of development of informational system and infrastructure in the field of Ukrainian regional research. An attempt to outline chronological limits of this process and to interpret the heritage of various schools of research (Polish, Russian and Ukrainian) in the studies of regional specificity was amplified by the endeavour to examine the system of substantiating regional research in methodological and analytical aspects. Theoretical and cognitive potential as well as capacities pertinent to application and prognosis of historical regional studies were examined and the place of historical regional studies was found out among related scientific branches (historical and social-economic geography, area studies, ethnic studies, memorial studies etc.). Author's vision of regional problems was substantiated as well as the attitude towards regionalization, interdisciplinary research, theories of regional research, typology of regions and optimum administrative and territorial structure of Ukraine.