Major Program
Major in Slavic Languages and Literatures
In 2016, the Slavic Department revised its program to make it more flexible and to address the rising need for Area Studies. Now, majors may choose to concentrate in Russian Language, Literature, and Culture or Russian and East European Studies. Some students seek a deep knowledge of Russian culture and literary tradition, while others are more interested in acquiring international knowledge and language proficiency for use in such fields as government, law, business, or journalism. The major (or minor) may complement study of history, political science, health, or other disciplines.
The department strongly recommends that students study abroad. Programs take place in Prague, Belgrade, Sarajevo, Krakow, Almaty, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vladimir. A maximum of 6 courses from study abroad may be counted toward the major. Students should consult Michał Wilczewski, Director of Undergraduate Studies, or an adviser in the Study Abroad Office to learn about study abroad options.
If you have specific interest in Polish courses or study abroad in Poland, contact Clare Cavanagh.
Concentration in Russian Language, Literature, and Culture
This major concentration is guided by a focus on 19th- and 20th-century Russian literature. Through language and literature study, students will gain a thorough understanding of Russian culture, including political, religious, and cultural ideas.
Prerequisite
• 102-1,2,3 or equivalent Russian proficiency
Major requirements (14 units)
• 3-course advanced Russian language sequence
◦ 302-1,2,3 or 303-1,2,3
◦ All courses must come from the same sequence.
• 11 additional courses
◦ 4 Slavic courses chosen from the following:
200-level Slavic courses taught in English
– 200-level courses taught in other departments and
co-listed in Slavic
–At most 1 Slavic first-year seminar may count toward this requirement.
◦ 360 or 361
◦ 4 or 5 Slavic courses at the 300 or 400 level
◦ 1 or 2 courses from outside the department; must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies.
Departments and programs offering relevant courses include art history, history, Jewish studies, musicology, political science, and theater. A current list of approved courses (also used for the minor program) is available here.
Concentration in Russian and East European Studies
This flexible major concentration is designed for students who wish to combine language and literature with work in other disciplines. It is also a good choice for students whose primary interest rests in non-Russian Slavic countries.
Prerequisite
• Two years of college-level Czech, Polish, or Russian language, or equivalent proficiency
Major requirements (units vary depending on language option)
• One of the following advanced language options:
Czech
–Individual plan requires approval of the director of undergraduate studies.
–Equivalent of a full year of advanced study; may include 399 with readings in Czech and/or study abroad in a language-focused program
Polish
–Individual plan requires approval of the director of undergraduate studies.
–Equivalent of a full year of advanced study; may include 358-1,2; 399 with readings in Polish; and/or study abroad in a language-focused program
Russian
–302-1,2,3 or 303-1,2,3
• 11 additional courses
◦ 4 100- or 200-level Slavic courses chosen from the following:
–200-level Slavic courses taught in English
–200-level courses taught in other departments and co-listed in Slavic
–At most 1 Slavic first-year seminar
–At most 2 courses in a second Slavic language
◦ 3 Slavic courses at the 300 or 400 level
◦ 4 courses from outside the department; must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies.
Departments and programs offering relevant courses include art history, history, Jewish studies, musicology, political science, and theater. A list of approved courses (also used for the minor program) is available here.