Profile of the program
Within the BA in Slavic Languages and Cultures in Groningen, the most important Slavic language, Russian, is the main language for all students. In the first year in particular, but also in the other two years of the BA degree, creating a good level of Russian language proficiency is very important. What sets the course apart from similar courses in the Netherlands is first, the attention paid to Russian language acquisition, and second the way the course is embedded in the Faculty of Arts, expressed in particular by the co-operation with the departments of History and International Organizations concerning the study of the history, society and economics of Central and Eastern European countries. Central and Eastern European Studies is an important minor for students of Slavic studies.
Programme structure
Because Russian is not usually taught at secondary school, it is assumed that students have no previous knowledge of this language. Russian language proficiency thus takes up two-thirds of the propedeutic programme (40 EC, consisting of the basic course, grammar, speaking and listening skills, translation). In addition, students take a number of introductory subjects: Russian Literature (5), Russian Cultural Studies (10 EC), Slavonic Linguistics (5 EC).
In the second year, after the propedeutic phase, students continue to learn Russian. Part of the second year will be spent at the University of St Petersburg, with the main aim to increase Russian language proficiency but also to make students more knowledgeable about the country, people and culture. Although it is not compulsory to spend time in Russia, it is definitely encouraged.
The time spent on language acquisition is reduced in the third year (15 EC). On the other hand, students are introduced to three new fields:
- Central and Eastern European Studies (with the emphasis on history, culture and economics)
- Russian Literature
- Slavic Linguistics
Core modules in these subjects, each worth 10 EC, are offered in the third year. Students then write a BA thesis based on work done in one of these seminars. With regard to level and content, the third year is perfect preparation for the MA degree program. In the third year students also have the opportunity to learn a second Slavonic language.
Further, the second and third years of Slavic Languages and Cultures also incorporate room for a minor and for Optional Modules, which each take up a third of an academic year.
Courses in English
The department does not offer courses in English. For more information, please contact the student adviser or visit our site for foreign students.
