Majoring in Slavic Studies
As a Slavic studies major, you explore the contemporary culture, film, theater, literature and linguistics of eastern and central Europe and Eurasia, as well as the historical relations between Slavic and non-Slavic peoples. You develop advanced-level proficiency in the Russian language through our four-year program and use of web conferencing, study away, and authentic Russian materials from the Internet and social media. Your knowledge of the region and language skills provide a solid foundation for careers in many fields, including international law, journalism, business, education, public relations, literary translation and environmental protection.
Language study
You have plenty of opportunities to use your Russian, with trips to Brighton Beach, the Russian banya (public bath) in Manhattan, and the Russian theater, opera and ballet. You can teach Russian to children at New London's Regional Multicultural Magnet School and practice at Russian lunches in Harris Dining Hall. Students at the intermediate and advanced levels conduct interviews with members of local émigré communities and study emigration patterns out of Russia by engaging in global-local communities. Advanced-level students study Russian film, poetry, history, and contemporary culture in the target language and through original texts.
International opportunities and study abroad
Most students study in a Russian-speaking country during their junior year, and many complete internships or summer study in Latvia, Georgia, and other countries. On campus, students partner via Skype with peers in Russia, Poland, and Bulgaria to discuss contemporary youth cultures, student activism and comparative education systems to gain global perspectives in preparation for study away.
