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The Slavic Department and Our Undergraduate Program We study and teach the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Russian and other Slavic peoples and their immediate neighbors in East and Central Europe (Hungary and Romania) as well as the Caucasus and Central Asia (hence the terms “Eurasia” and “Eurasian”). Over the centuries, these peoples shared linguistic, literary, cultural and historical experiences, which both united and divided them. These experiences include their intermediary position between the “West” and the “East,” participation in large multi-national states and empires, membership in the Soviet bloc in the twentieth century, and, in recent decades, the transition to post-socialism. In a word, we represent peoples who have influenced the history of a large part of the world. Our department, which celebrated its one hundredth anniversary in 2001, was one of the first departments of its kind in the United States. It was home to UC Berkeley’s only Nobel Prize winner in the Humanities, Polish poet Czeslaw Milosz (1911-2004). Over the years, it has remained in the vanguard of Slavic, East European and Eurasian studies because of the breadth of coverage and interdisciplinary approach to the field. Our faculty members have a wide range of interests and train students to discover the links between language, literature and other aspects of culture (including history, religious thought, visual arts, theater, film, popular culture) as well as between our subject matter and that of other related disciplines. Thus, students find that our courses complement their studies in other fields as different as History, English, Political Science, or Business. Although much of what we teach is specific to the Slavic field, the faculty is dedicated to helping students develop skills in expository writing (in English), in interpreting texts, in clear written and oral communication, in research, and in critical thinking. As students in a small department, our majors benefit from the accessibility of their teachers and the community of fellow students. Because we have a choice of major tracks, students may develop a program of study that suits their needs and interests. There is flexibility in the number of languages, literatures and cultures studied and the types of courses taken. Whereas some students focus primarily on literature and language, others pursue a program that embraces a variety of related disciplines. Our majors have the opportunity to work closely with faculty in their areas of interest.
Our courses combine different disciplines, traditions, approaches, and areas. No matter one’s interest – be it the classics of Russian literature, such as Leo Tolstoy or Fyodor Dostoevsky, Polish Romanticism or poetry of Czeslaw Milosz, the novels of Vladimir Nabokov or Milan Kundera, the languages and cultures of the Balkans, Caucasus or Central Asia, Slavic linguistics, Orthodox religious culture, Slavic folklore, the Russian avant garde, the Soviet experience, the rise and fall of Yugoslavia, the films of Sergei Eisenstein, or contemporary popular culture – the Department has something to offer. In almost all our courses on literature and culture, readings and lectures are in English, and no knowledge of Slavic languages is required. Students with a working knowledge of Russian or another Slavic language relevant to the course are encouraged to do some reading in the original. Many of our upper-division courses provide the opportunity to undertake an additional research project, coordinated with a lecture course and supervised by the instructor in individual consultations (this involves registering in an additional 1-unit "Research" course). We welcome students from all programs and disciplines. Among our offerings are courses that fulfill the following five of the seven breadth requirements: Arts and Literature, Philosophy and Values, Historical Studies, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and International Studies. Every year, our faculty offer seminar-style courses in the University program of Freshmen and Sophomore seminars. We regularly offer instruction in Russian, Polish, Czech, BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian) and Bulgarian, as well as the non-Slavic languages Armenian, Romanian and Hungarian. The department offers special classes for heritage speakers of Russian and courses in Russian/English, English/Russian oral and written translation. The department offers three different major tracks. The major track in Russian/East European/Eurasian Cultures offers an interdisciplinary “area studies” approach. For this major track, two years of study (or the equivalent) in a language (Russian, an East European language or a Eurasian language) are required. The major track in Russian Language and Literature focuses specifically on Russian language and literature. It requires three years of language coursework (or the equivalent). The major track in Czech, Polish, or BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian) languages and literatures allows students to focus intensively on one of these languages. Major and Minor Requirements for Heritage Speakers of Russian Heritage speakers include those who grew up in Russian speaking families, but without a standard Russian language educational background. Heritage speakers may select any major or minor track offered by the Department except the minor in Russian language. The unit requirements are the same as for all majors and minors. However, the balance between courses approved for and taken in language and literature/culture may change depending on each student’s language proficiency. The choice of specific courses in language and literature/culture for any respective major or minor track will be determined on an individual basis by the Faculty Major or Staff Student Services Advisor and academic staff. Before enrolling in language courses and declaring a major or minor, heritage speakers are required to take a proficiency/placement test. All students must see the Major Advisor for consultation, language proficiency referral (as needed), and study list planning and approval prior to pursuing a major track. Students may declare their major upon entry to the university. However, we encourage one year of study in the student’s major language prior to declaration. Courses fulfilling major and minor requirements must be taken for a letter grade. Slavic Studies Outside the Classroom Our campus hosts many Slavic-related lectures, concerts, films, conferences, and other events. A weekly Russian conversation hour is one of the Berkeley Slavic Department's most lively institutions. The Polish Circle and Czech Circle meet regularly for discussions and social events, and a BCS cultural group is being organized this year. Film showings, of classic and contemporary films from Russia and other countries, are periodically organized by graduate students. Students may participate in study abroad programs in Russia and Eastern Europe. UC-sponsored programs emphasize Russian language as well as cultural studies. For information see the Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad website.
In the world today, in-depth understanding of another culture and knowledge of another language are increasingly valued. Graduates from our department are finding that the recent political, social, and economic changes in the former Soviet Union, East Central Europe, and Southeastern Europe have resulted in an increasing number of opportunities for employment, both in this country and abroad, in fields such as education, journalism, business, diplomacy, social work, health, and environmental affairs. A Slavic major also provides excellent preparation for graduate studies in a number of areas, as well as a sound background in the liberal arts for those wishing to attend professional schools (including law school).
Major
Track in Russian/East European/ Eurasian Cultures This major track integrates the study of languages and cultures of a large area: Russia, East Central Europe, Southeastern Europe, and Eurasia. Students design their own programs by selecting courses offered by the Slavic Department and other departments such as History, Political Science, Political Economy of Industrial Societies (PEIS), Anthropology, Geography, Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS), and others. While all majors in this track will gain knowledge of the whole area, the program also allows each student (1) to emphasize a specific cultural region, (2) to compare different regions, and/or (3) to define a particular field of study. Students are advised to see the Major Advisor in advance to prepare an individualized study plan. REQUIREMENTS: Lower-division
(21-24 units):
One lower-division course in the Slavic Department. Slavic 50: Introduction to Russian/East European/Eurasian Cultures. In rare instances, and with permission of the Major Advisor, it may be possible to substitute another lower-division course, e.g. Slavic 39, 45, or 46. Upper-division
(28 units): One relevant course in the Department of History, e.g. History 171A, B, or C (History of Russia); 172 (Russian Intellectual History) or 173 (History of Eastern Europe); 177A or B (History of Armenia) Five elective courses chosen from the upper-division offerings of the Slavic Department, and the following courses from outside the department: Geography 55C; Political Science 129B, 129C, 141A, 141C; Sociology 181. With permission of the Major Advisor, students may utilize relevant courses from the following departments: History (a course not used for the major history requirement), Anthropology, Art History, Comparative Literature, Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies, Economics, Journalism, Legal Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies. Variations: With permission of the Major Advisor, up to two upper-division language courses (taken in addition to the initial four semesters of the same language) may be counted among these five electives. Similarly, up to two lower- or upper-division language courses in another language relevant to the program of study may be counted.
Major
Track in Russian Language and Literature This major track integrates the study of Russian language, literature, and culture. Students will learn what defines Russia's unique place in civilization, both in earlier times and in today's world. Students are advised to see the Major Advisor in advance to prepare an individualized study plan. Students may declare the major after completion of Slavic 2 and either Slavic 45 or 46. REQUIREMENTS: Lower-division
(26 units): A two-semester survey of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Russian literature (Slavic 45 & 46) Upper-division
(27-30 units): One literature course with readings in Russian (Slavic 180, 181, 182, or 188) One Russian literature class in English translation (Slavic 131, 132, 133, or 134A, B, C, D, E, F, G, N) One course in culture selected from the following: Russian culture (Slavic 130, 131, 140, 148, 190), the literatures of other Slavic peoples (Slavic 150, 160, 170), Folklore (Slavic 147A, 147B), Linguistics (Slavic 137), Film (Slavic 138) Two upper-division elective courses (each worth 3 or 4 units) in Russian language, literature, or culture selected from the courses listed above. Relevant courses from other departments—for example, History—may be substituted with permission of the Major Advisor.
MAJOR
TRACK in CZECH, POLISH, With advance consultation, students may pursue a major track in Czech, Polish, or BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian). Advance consultation is critical, since not all required courses are offered each year. In addition to Slavic 1 and 2 (10 units of elementary Russian) and two lower-division courses in literature chosen from Slavic 36, 39, 45, 46, or 50 (6 units), the requirements include: 10 units of the relevant elementary language [Slavic 25A-25B (Polish), 26A-26B (Czech), 27A-27B (BCS)] 8 units of intermediate language (Slavic 115A-115B, 116A-116B, or 117A-117B) 3 units of a literature survey course in the relevant literature (Slavic 150, 160, or 170) 7 units of two additional courses in the relevant literature in the original (Slavic 151-152, 161-162, or 171-172) A plan of study, designed in advance in consultation with the Major Advisor, consisting of three relevant courses (9-12 units) in Russian or European literature and history.
The Department offers minors in: (a) Russian language, (b) Russian literature (requiring no knowledge of Russian), (c) Russian language, literature, and culture, and (d) Slavic languages/ literatures with an emphasis in Czech, Polish, or BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian) language and literature. Requirements: The minor is in a field academically distinct from the student’s major. An overall grade-point average of 2.0 in upper-division courses applied to the minor program is required. Courses fulfilling minor requirements must be taken for a letter grade. At least three of the required upper division courses must be taken at Berkeley. Restrictions to Minors: Heritage and native speakers of Russian may choose any minor except the minor in Russian Language. Heritage and native speakers of East European languages may choose any minor except the minor in their native/heritage language. Note: Heritage or native proficiency is determined by the Major Advisor in consultation with the faculty language coordinators. Final approval for a minor rests with the Major Advisor. Confirmation or “Declaration” of a Minor: Students considering a minor track involving language requirements must see the Major Advisor early on to have their status as a heritage or native speaker determined, to be referred for language placement as needed, and to have their major study list plan approved. The paperwork for the minor, called an L&S Confirmation of Minor form, is completed with the Major Advisor the semester in which the student will earn his/her degree, and no later than the last two weeks of classes in the student’s final semester. Students are required to bring a Bear Facts copy of their transcript when they meet with the Major Advisor to finalize their minor.
Minor
in Russian Language, Literature, and Culture Prerequisite: Four semesters of elementary/intermediate Russian (Slavic 1, 2, 3, & 4 or equivalent). Russian heritage speakers should see language placement approval instructions. Five upper-division courses (3 or 4 units each) in Russian language and/or Russian and other Slavic literatures and cultures. These courses may be chosen in any combination by the student, in consultation with the Major Advisor. A course from another related program (for example, comparative literature) may be substituted with approval of the Major Advisor.
Minor
in Russian Language Prerequisite: Four semesters of elementary/intermediate Russian (Slavic 1, 2, 3, & 4 or equivalent) Four semesters of advanced Russian (Slavic 103A & 103B, plus two courses chosen from Slavic 104A*, 104B*, 180, 181, 182, or 188), Advanced Russian Conversation (Slavic 120A or B) *Not currently offered.
Minor
in Russian Literature Prerequisite: Surveys of Russian literature (Slavic 45 & 46) One course on the culture of Russia or other Slavic nation chosen from Slavic 130, 138, 140, 147A or B, 148, 150, 160, or 170 Four courses in Russian literature chosen from Slavic 132, 133, 134 (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, N), 180*, 181, 182, 188 *Infrequently offered.
Minor
in Czech, Polish, BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian) Language and Literature Prerequisite: Appropriate first-year language sequence (Slavic 25A-B, 26A-B, 27A-B or equivalent) Two advanced language courses (Slavic 115A-B, 116A-B, or 117A-B), and one literature survey (Slavic 150, 160, or 170) Two courses in the relevant literature (Slavic 151 and 152 or 161 and 162 or 171 and 172) or substitutes approved by the Major Advisor.
Slavic majors with a minimum GPA of 3.3 overall and in courses for the major are invited to consult with members of the faculty and the Major Advisor in the spring of their junior year about the honors program and a thesis topic. Requirements for the honors program in Slavic include: (a) one additional upper-division Slavic course chosen by the student and (b) an honors thesis course (H195). In the honors thesis course, normally taken during the fall semester of the senior year, the student writes a thesis under the direction of a member of the faculty (as thesis director). In order to enroll in H195, the student must file an application with the department the semester before enrolling in H195 (available from the Staff Student Services Advisor). This application includes a preliminary statement of the thesis topic and the names and signatures of the members of the honors committee, consisting of a faculty director and one additional faculty member (who also reads the completed thesis), and the Department Chair.
Students who have learned Russian or other Slavic languages elsewhere, as well as those returning from study abroad, will need to take a placement test at the beginning of the semester. Please review language placement information listed below. Students starting with 1st or 2nd year Russian should consult with Lisa Little (lclittle@berkeley.edu, or during her office hours), Russian Language Coordinator, about placement in the lower-division language courses (Slavic 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6A-B). Students needing placement screening for Advanced Russian (Slavic 103A-B, etc.) or testing for the Letters and Science foreign language requirement for Russian should consult with Lisa Little (lclittle@berkeley.edu, or during her office hours). Heritage speakers of Russian considering a major or minor track requiring Russian must make an appointment with the Undergraduate Staff or Major Advisor to obtain information specific to their individual language requirements and to be referred for the proficiency/placement exam. Students of East European or Eurasian languages should consult with the appropriate Language Coordinator for proficiency testing and placement. Transfer students and those enrolling in study abroad programs should consult with the Major Advisor regarding course equivalents accepted by the Department. Office hours are posted on the departmental bulletin board and website.
The Slavic Department actively encourages students to participate in study abroad programs in Russia and other East European countries. Through the University of California’s Study Abroad Program, students may spend the fall or spring semester in St. Petersburg and do intensive work on Russian language, literature, and culture. Other institutions also offer programs in Russia and East European countries, both during the school year and summer. Please consult with the Major Advisor for information about these programs.
Students should consult the Schedule of Classes and the Slavic website for current offerings.
1. Elementary Russian. (5) Five hours of lecture and two hours of language laboratory per week. Beginner's course. 2. Elementary Russian. (5) Five hours of lecture and two hours of language laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 1 or equivalent. 3. Intermediate Russian. (5) Five hours of lecture and one hour of language laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 2 or equivalent. 4. Intermediate Russian. (5) Five hours of lecture and one hour of language laboratory per week. Prerequisites: 3 or equivalent. 6A-6B. Introductory Russian for Heritage Speakers.
(3;3) 100.* Seminar: Russian, East European, and
Eurasian Cultures. (4) *Not currently offered. 103A-103B. Advanced Russian. (4;4). 105A-105B. Advanced Russian/English/Russian Translation.
(1-3;1-3) 106A-106B. Advanced Russian for Heritage Speakers. (3;3)
109.* Business Russian. (3) *Infrequently offered. 120A-120B. Advanced Russian Conversation and Communication. (2-3; 2-3) Course may be repeated for credit. Two to three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: Slavic 4 or equivalent. Aimed at fostering advanced conversation and communication skills, this course explores Russian culture through communication. Contains reading, films, vocabulary building, listening exercises, and speaking activities. The course can be taken for two or three credits; for two credits, attendance is required for two classes per week; for three credits, three classes per week.
READING AND COMPOSITION COURSES R5A-R5B. Reading and Composition. (4;4).
SLAVIC DEPARTMENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO UNIVERSITY LOWER-DIVISION SEMINARS 24. Freshmen Seminars (1) Each focused on the collective exploration of the great novel emphasized, seen both as a work of literary art and as a response to philosophical issues of its time. In recent years the following seminars have been offered by our department faculty. a) The Brothers Karamazov: Let’s Read It Together (1) b) Anna Karenina: Let’s Read It Together (1) c) War and Peace: Let’s Read It Together (1) In recent years the following seminars have been offered by our department faculty. 39A: Language, Ethnicity and Identity in the Balkans (3) 39B: Stalin and Totalitarian Culture (3) 39C. Images of Eastern Europe (3) 39D. Literature in Revolution: The Soviet 1920s (3) 39D. Science Fiction (3) 39F. Balkan Cultures (3) 39G. Women, Men, Marriage, and Its Problems: Some 19th-Century Russian Views (3) 39H. The Russian-Chechen Wars (3) 39I. The Languages and Peoples of the Caucasus (3) 39J. Love among the Russians (3) 39K: Boredom (3) 39L. Russian Short Fiction (3) 39M. Linguistic Diversity: The Languages of the Former Soviet Union (3) 39N-Z: New topics will be offered in future semesters under these course numbers.
36. Great Books of Russian Literature (3) 45. Nineteenth-Century Russian Literature. (3)
46. Twentieth-Century Russian Literature. (3) 132. Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and the English Novel. (4). 133. The Novel in Russia and the West. (4) 134A. Gogol. (4) 134C. Dostoevsky. (4) 134D. Tolstoy. (4) 134E. Chekhov. (4) 134F. Nabokov. (4) 134G. Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. (4) 134N. Studies in Russian Literature. (4) 134R. Research in Russian Literature. (1) 181. Readings in Russian Literature. (4) 182. Pushkin. (4) 188. Russian Prose. (4)
50. Introduction to Russian/East European/Eurasian Cultures.
(3) 130. The Culture of Medieval Rus’. (4) 131. Literature, Art, and Society in 20th Century Russia.
(4) 137. Introduction to Slavic Linguistics. (3) 138. Topics in Russian and Soviet Film. (4) 140. The Performing Arts in Russia and Eastern Europe.
(4) 146.* East/West Encounters. (4) *Infrequently offered 147A. East Slavic Folklore. (3) 147B. Balkan Folklore. (3) 148. Topics in Russian Cultural History. (4) 150. Polish Literature and Intellectual Trends. (3) 158. Topics in East European/Eurasian Cultural History.
(4) 160. Survey of Czech Literature. (3) 170. Survey of Yugoslav Literatures. (3) 190. Russian Culture Taught in Russian: Country, Identity,
and Language. (4) 
BULGARIAN,
HUNGARIAN, AND ROMANIAN LANGUAGE COURSES 28A-28B. Introductory Bulgarian. (5;5) 118A-118B. Advanced Bulgarian. (4;4) East European Studies 1A-1B. Introductory Hungarian. (3,4;
3,4) East European Studies 2A-2B. Introductory Romanian. (3;3) East European Studies 100. Readings in Hungarian. (2) East European Studies 102A-102B. Continuing Romanian. (3,
3)
CZECH, POLISH, AND BCS (BOSNIAN/CROATIAN/SERBIAN) LANGUAGE COURSES (2-Year Course Sequences), AND LITERATURE COURSES 26A-26B. Introductory Czech. (5;5) 116A-116B. Advanced Czech. (4;4) 160. Survey of Czech Literature. (3). 161. Readings in Czech Literature. (4) 162. Topics in Czech Language and Literature. (3) 25A-25B. Introductory Polish. (5;5) 115A-115B. Advanced Polish. (4;4) 150. Polish Literature and Intellectual Trends. (3). 151. Readings in Polish Literature. (4) 152. Topics in Polish Language and Literature. (3) 27A-27B. Introductory BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian). (5;5) 117A-117B. Advanced BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian). (4;4)
170. Survey of Yugoslav Literatures. (3) 171. Readings in Yugoslav Literatures. (4) 172. Topics in BCS (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian). (3)
EURASIAN
LANGUAGES COURSES 1A-1B. Beginning Armenian. (3;3) 101A-101B. Continuing Armenian. (3;3) |
On this page: Berkeley Undergraduate Student Learning Initiative and Slavic Languages & Literatures The Slavic Department and Our Undergraduate Program Major and Minor Requirements for Heritage Speakers of Russian Slavic Studies Outside the Classroom Major Track in Russian/East European/Eurasian Cultures: Major Track in Russian Language and Literature: Major Track in Czech, Polish, BCS (Bosnian/ Croatian/Serbian) Language and Literature:
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