Mar 28, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2020-2021 
    
Undergraduate Record 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Slavic Languages and Literatures


Return to: College of Arts & Sciences: Departments/Programs  


258 Cabell Hall
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400783
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4783
(434) 924-3548 Fax: (434) 982-2744
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/slavic/index.html
 
Program/Course: Slavic Languages and Literatures  

Overview The study of Russian and other Eastern European languages and cultures is the gateway to a wide variety of careers in business, government, NGO’s, culture, and academia – a variety that has grown since the fall of communism. The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures works to train students for these paths by offering a broad spectrum of courses in three disciplines : language, literature, and culture.

Students find a comprehensive curriculum in language. The program in Russian language offers introductory courses in the fundamentals, and more advanced courses in reading, composition, stylistics, and the language of business. In addition to these courses, which develop oral/aural and written proficiency in the language, students may pursue other interests relating to language (Advanced Russian Grammar, for example). Instruction is also available in Polish and, when staffing permits, other Slavic languages.

Russian literature is also a central emphasis of the department. Course offerings cover the entire range of Russian literature, from the works of medieval Russia to those of the present. Classes vary from broad surveys read in English translation to seminars on individual writers (e.g., Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Nabokov). Emphasis is placed on the forces that have shaped Russian literature, including social concerns as well as the Russian sense of history and national destiny.

Finally, the department offers courses in culture, including Slavic and East European Film and Folklore. Theory courses, while often relying on Slavic examples, address issues with relevance beyond the Slavic field, such as the nature of oral literature and the significance of ritual in understanding human behavior.

Faculty The faculty members of the department are involved on a daily basis in the education of their students. Since the department is small, access to faculty is readily available. Faculty interests include literary theory, linguistics, modern cultural criticism, and folklore.

Students On average about 15 students graduate with a degree in Slavic languages and literatures annually. Most courses in the department are small, from 15 to 25 students, and are taught by a faculty member. With permission, undergraduates with superior skills may enroll in graduate courses in their fourth year of study. Most courses are taught as discussions or lecture/discussions in order to encourage student input. Thus, students learn to think critically, and develop well-rounded analytic abilities. Students who complete majors in the Slavic department often go on to graduate or professional programs. Others work in the government (State Department, grant administration, security agencies), the private sector, or the media. Still others choose to travel and work in Russia and Eastern Europe, where opportunities include teaching, internships, business, and volunteer work.

Special Resources

The Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) provides a focal point for students interested in this field. Lectures and colloquia as well as social events are sponsored.

Study Abroad Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad under the auspices of any accredited program. Students considering this option should consult with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Mark Elson.

Russian House Students may apply to live in Russian House, a residential facility near Grounds. Residents are expected and encouraged to speak Russian as much as possible in this setting. Russian House features social and academic events such as lectures, a film series, meals, and informal gatherings.