L&S MAJORS

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Slavic Languages and Literatures

The undergraduate programs in Slavic Languages and Literatures are designed for students who wish to develop competence in the various languages and cultures of Russia, Eastern Europe, or Eurasia. Major tracks are available in Russian Language and Literature, with a second major track emphasizing Polish, Czech or Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS) language and literature. A third track in Russian/East European/Eurasian Studies integrates the study of languages and cultures of a large area: Russia, Eastern/Central Europe, and Eurasia. Students design their own programs by selecting courses offered by the Slavic department and others such as History, PEIS, Sociology, History of Art, Political Science, Music, Peace and Conflict Studies, to name a few. 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, (3) to define a particular field of study, and (4) acquire a second or sometimes a third language.

Knowledge of a foreign language can be a research tool or a professional credential, and it can provide access to a great literature and familiarity with another culture. With a command of English and Russian for example, one's access to all human knowledge - about topics from chess to high-energy physics - is estimated to be as high as 90 percent. Training in one or more of the languages of the Slavic area is a basic prerequisite for the study of any aspect of Eastern European affairs, including political and social institutions, economics, international relations, business, history, as well as many other related career paths.

Lower Division Requirements for the Slavic Languages and Literatures Major

Russian Language and Literature

  • Slavic 1, 2, 3, 4, or the equivalents; 45 and 46, taken in sequence, if possible

Czech, Polish, or Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS) Language and Literature

  • Slavic 1, 2, or the equivalents, and 10 units of the relevant Slavic language (Slavic 25A-25B, 26A-26B, or 27A-27B); two of the following: Slavic 36, 37, 39, 45, 46, 50

Russian/East European/Eurasian Cultures Emphases

Think Globally!
Study the Languages and Cultures of the World.
Becoming bilingual or trilingual prepares culturally astute students as tomorrow's leaders in business, law, the sciences, and virtually any career path. Plan early upon your entrance to Berkeley to incorporate a second or third language, and with it, the study of another culture, into your educational plan.

Kathi Brosnan,
Student Affairs Officer,
Slavic Languages and Literatures