Department of Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies
The department offers three degrees: the B.A., the M.A., and the Ph.D. The Bachelor of Arts degree program offers fundamental training in language, linguistics, second language acquisition, as well as interdisciplinary studies in the areas of Russia, German-speaking Europe, Eastern Europe, as well as Eurasia.
Our interdisciplinary department is deeply invested in helping students navigate a geopolitically complex and evolving world through rigorous language study, paired with the interdisciplinary study of culture, linguistics, literature, history, political science, art history, and other disciplines. Our program is characterized by interdisciplinary flexibility, a variety of co-curricular activities, and personalized academic advising and mentoring. On and off we teach 10 languages on a regular basis and expose students to major European and Eurasian languages like Russian and German, as well as specialized training in unique less commonly taught languages like Persian, Polish, Serbo-Croatian and others. All these languages, within the interdisciplinary curriculum of SGES can open up new career pathways for students, and help them bring tangible skills and a unique global approach to their careers in a range of fields from business, to law, medicine, intelligence, as well as traditional academic paths. Our students tend to have a second major or a minor in fields such as Global & International Studies, History, Business, Environmental Studies, Music, Microbiology, and Linguistics.
Our graduates have pursued their passion for language and culture in many ways: working for a non-profit organization affiliated with the U.S. Department of State; translating for a medical software company; intelligence; serving on the human resources team of a global sporting goods company; politics; teaching high school; working as copy editor of a newspaper; and pursuing academic graduate work, social welfare, law, and speech pathology.
The department offers several study abroad programs to Germany, Russia, Ukraine.
Graduate training at the Masters and Doctoral levels focuses on Russian literature and culture, Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies, Slavic linguistics, and/or Slavic language pedagogy.
Working closely with KU’s Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREES), the department offers a variety of Slavic-related events throughout the year, including visiting distinguished lecturers, exhibits, and musical and theatrical performances. Students participate in an active Slavic East European and Eurasian Studies Club, and multiple language tables.
The Max Kade Center for German-American Studies houses collections on German ethnic culture in the United States and fosters scholarship and student engagement in German-American and transatlantic studies. For further information, contact german@ku.edu.
Undergraduate Programs
The undergraduate major in Slavic, German, & Eurasian Studies prepares students to pursue a range of careers connected with Russia and Central Europe, including those related to international work in business, government, nonprofit organizations, etc. The undergraduate major serves equally as solid preparation for graduate study in Slavic languages and literatures and related fields and for entrance to professional schools such as law or journalism. Students learn these languages to pursue careers with international dimensions; enhance job opportunities; connect with their heritage, family, and communities; explore other literatures and cultures; and pursue personal interests.
The undergraduate program gives students solid functional language skills in speaking, reading, listening, and writing. Students develop the strategies and linguistic awareness to continue language study throughout their lives. The program acquaints undergraduates with the most significant works of the literature and culture of the Slavic region and gives them the tools and frameworks necessary to understand, analyze, and critique those works and place them in their cultural context. Students work with sources in English and in the original languages to develop transferable reading and analytical skills.
The department strongly encourages students to plan a substantial study abroad experience (at least a summer but preferably a semester or an academic year) as part of the major. Study abroad experience contributes to mastery of the language and facilitates students’ encounters with the people, practices, and attitudes of the culture in ways that can never be replicated on an American university campus.
Placement
Students may establish eligibility for enrollment in the second course in Polish, Russian, or Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian by having earned college credit in the first course in that language or by having studied the language in high school. Students with previous study should contact the department to arrange a consultation about enrollment at the appropriate level.
Retroactive Credit
Students with no prior college or university Russian course credit are eligible for retroactive credit according to this formula:
- 3 hours of retroactive credit are awarded to a student with 2 or 3 years of high school Russian who enrolls initially at KU in a third-level Russian course (RUSS 204) and receives a grade of C or higher.
- 6 hours of retroactive credit are awarded to a student with 3 or 4 years of high school Russian who enrolls initially at KU in a fourth-level Russian course (RUSS 208) and receives a grade of C or higher.
- 9 hours of retroactive credit are awarded to a student with 4 years of high school Russian who enrolls initially at KU in a Russian course with a fourth-level course as a prerequisite and receives a grade of C or higher.
Courses for Nonmajors
Some courses in Slavic literatures and cultures are taught in English and fulfill various goals and learning outcomes related to the KU CORE, as well as existing B.A. requirements in the humanities and non-Western culture.
Students may fulfill the College language requirement for the B.A. degree by taking 2 years in one of the following languages: Russian, Polish, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Slovene, Ukrainian, or Turkish.
Courses are available in Russian for special purposes (Russian for Reading, Russian for the Professions). RUSS 110 Intensive Elementary Russian (10 credit hours) frequently is offered in the summer.
Graduate Programs
The department offers programs leading to Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Slavic Languages and Literatures.
Master of Arts
The Master of Arts degree in Slavic and Eurasian Languages & Literatures provides students with foundational knowledge of the language, literature, culture, and linguistics in a region of study (Russian, Polish, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian). Working in a collegial and supportive environment, M.A. students extend their foundational knowledge of the field, while being encouraged to grow intellectually and develop new and innovative interpretive frameworks. Some of the work done at the M.A. level includes: reading key literary works in their historical, cultural, stylistic, and genre contexts; familiarization with literary theory; work on professionalization and job market readiness; learning technological and Digital Humanities skills; language testing and coursework to improve language capacity.
Doctor of Philosophy
Building on the M.A. foundational base, the KU Ph.D. degree program encourages students to develop their particular intellectual interests in collaboration with KU faculty in their areas of specialization. Ph.D. students also learn a second Slavic language and develop knowledge of a secondary field. For the secondary field, students are encouraged to choose from philosophy, linguistics, religion, history, theater and cinema, literary theory, comparative literature, and folklore.
Two concentrations are offered in the Ph.D. Program:
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Russian Literature
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Slavic Linguistics (including language pedagogy)
Ph.D. students who focus their studies on Russian literature and Slavic linguistics have a full-service curriculum from which to choose their courses. Ph.D. Doctoral students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. concentration in another literature that the department offers, such as Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Polish, or Ukrainian may develop an individualized program of study in consultation with faculty.
Ph.D. students interested in Russian culture, intellectual history, or Slavic folklore pursue their studies through the Russian literature Ph.D. concentration.
Departmental Funding
The department does its best to provide funding in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) appointments to all incoming graduate students. GTA appointments are awarded for the academic year; .50 full-time equivalent (FTE) appointments come with:
- a competitive academic year (9 month) salary
- a 100% tuition waiver for all courses at KU
- payment of up to 3 hours of student fees
- optional University-subsidized group health insurance
The appointments are guaranteed based on performance for up to 3 years for M.A. students, 5 years for Ph.D. students and 6 years for students who receive both an M.A. and a Ph.D. at The University of Kansas. GTAs in the department receive thorough training in language instruction, close mentoring, and the opportunity to teach at a variety of levels, providing them with a strong base of teaching experience upon entering the job market. Additional information about teaching for the department is available on the Graduate Programs overview page of our departmental website.
Additional Funding
There are also university fellowships for truly outstanding students. Visit the Graduate Studies website for information about funding opportunities for KU graduate students.
Graduate Non-Degree Seeking Status
Students who are interested in enrolling in graduate-level coursework in the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Languages & Literatures without formal admission to a graduate program at KU are encouraged to apply for graduate non-degree seeking student status. See the department’s webpage for further details.
Courses
Beginning language course. Development of basic communicative and cultural competencies with interactive approach. Students acquire communicative skills for elementary personal and social needs. They are introduced to the basic Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language rules and to the cultural context in which Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian discourse occurs. Through regular engagement with authentic multimedia materials they learn to recognize differing aspects of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian and American life, culture, and values.
Similar to BCRS 104 but with additional work aimed at accelerating the student's progress to proficiency and widening understanding of cultural context. Prerequisite: Open only to students admitted to the University Honors Program, or by permission of instructor.
Second-semester language course, continuation of BCRS 104. Further development of basic communicative and cultural competencies with interactive approach. Students continue the acquisition of communicative skills for elementary personal and social needs and their introduction to the basic Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language rules and cultural context in which Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian discourse occurs. Through regular engagement with authentic multimedia materials they learn to recognize differing aspects of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian and American life, culture, and values. Prerequisite: BCRS 104 or BCRS 105, or placement by examination.
Continues BCRS 105. Similar to BCRS 108 but with additional work aimed at accelerating the student's progress to proficiency and widening understanding of cultural context. Prerequisite: BCRS 104 or 105. Open only to students admitted to the University Honors Program, or by permission of instructor.
Fundamentals of B/C/S grammar, reading, speaking, and writing. Introduction to the cultural context in which B/C/S discourse occurs. Online course, designed to accommodate the needs of students regardless of age, educational background, or occupation who want to acquire some basic communicative skills in B/C/S. No previous knowledge of BCS or other foreign languages required. The course does not satisfy the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement. Not open to students with credit in BCRS 104 or BCRS 105.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of First-Year Experience. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status.
Second-year language course. Further development of communicative and cultural competencies with a content-based, interactive approach. Students develop the ability to understand and produce short written and spoken texts in BCS through engagement with a variety of authentic materials representative of cultural diversity of the studied area. They contrast and compare features of individual BCS-speaking countries and their cultures as well as differing aspects of B/C/S and American life, culture, and values. Prerequisite: BCRS 108 or permission of the instructor.
Similar to BCRS 204 but with additional work aimed at accelerating the student's progress to proficiency and widening understanding of cultural context. Prerequisite: Open only to students who have received an A in BCRS 108 or an A or B in BCRS 109, and who are admitted to the University Honors Program, or by permission of instructor.
This program consists of a six-week intensive language course in intermediate and advanced Croatian phonetics, conversation, and grammar, and is offered each summer in Croatia. In addition to the practical language work, there is a program of lectures on modern Croatian history, literature, and other cultural topics. Various excursions and tours bring the students into first-hand contact with the people, natural beauty and culture of Croatia. This program is a cooperative effort between the University of Kansas and faculty of the University of Zadar.
A practical Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian course involving the advanced study of the grammar, reading of texts on a variety of subjects, conversation and composition. Taught in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. Designed for students who have had two or more years of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language. Prerequisite: BCRS 208, or equivalent.
A practical Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian course involving the advanced study of the grammar, reading of texts on a variety of subjects, conversation and composition. Taught in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian. Designed for students who have had two and one-half or or more years of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language. Prerequisite: BCRS 504, or equivalent.
Individually tailored readings and independent work in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language and culture. Prerequisite: Two years of Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, and consent of instructor.
Courses
First semester. Essentials of grammar, practice in speaking and writing Czech. Simple readings from selected texts.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in Czech. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of First-Year Experience. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status.
Second-year course in the language with emphasis on reading, composition, and conversation. Prerequisite: CZCH 108.
Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Czech language, and consent of instructor.
Courses
Primarily for graduate students in other departments but also open to seniors planning to pursue graduate study. Fundamentals of grammar and reading texts of medium difficulty. Does not count toward undergraduate language requirement. Previous study of German not necessary. Not open to native speakers of German.
Introductory German; no previous German required. Development of students' balanced knowledge of the German language and culture, including the ability to understand and produce short spoken, written, and multimedia texts on everyday topics and to interpret, compare, and contrast German and American cultural phenomena. Emphasis on interaction. Not open to native speakers of German. Students who complete this course successfully should take GERM 108.
Continuation of GERM 104. Further development of students' balanced knowledge of the German language and culture, including the ability to understand and produce short spoken, written, and multimedia texts on everyday topics and to interpret, compare, and contrast German and American cultural phenomena. Emphasis on interaction. Not open to native speakers of German. Students who complete this course successfully should take GERM 201. Prerequisite: GERM 104 or placement by examination.
Introduction to German for special purposes; no previous German required. Provides basic familiarity with the German language, focusing on speaking and reading skills and the essentials of German grammar. Introduction to the culture of the German-speaking world. Three class hours per week; may be delivered by video conference or face-to-face. Does not satisfy any KU language requirement.
Continuation of GERM 111. Further development of basic familiarity with the German language, focusing on speaking and reading skills and the essentials of German grammar. Continued exploration of the culture of the German-speaking world. Three class hours per week; may be delivered by video conference or face-to-face. Does not satisfy any KU language requirement. Prerequisite: GERM 111 or permission of instructor.
Continuation of GERM 112. Further development of basic familiarity with the German language, focusing on speaking and reading skills and the essentials of German grammar. Continued exploration of the culture of the German-speaking world. Three class hours per week; may be delivered by video conference or face-to-face. Does not satisfy any KU language requirement. Prerequisite: GERM 112 or permission of instructor.
Taught in English. Screening and analysis of German films from the early 20th century to the present. Readings, lectures, and discussions on the films' sources, ideologies, techniques, and artistic achievements. Does not count toward the German major or minor.
Course content similar to GERM 124. Taught in English. Screening and analysis of German films from the early 20th century to the present. Readings, lectures, and discussions on the films' sources, ideologies, techniques, and artistic achievements. Does not count toward German major or minor.
Taught in English. Exploration of the arts in German-speaking Europe: major cultural periods, movements, art forms, and people (artists, architects, composers, writers, filmmakers) from the Middle Ages to the present. Consideration of the arts within the larger European historical and cultural context from which they emerged. Does not count toward the German major or minor. This course is offered at the 100 and 300 levels with additional assignments at the 300-level. Not open to students who have completed GERM 328.
This course explores significant political, social, and cultural challenges facing German-speaking Europe today. Specific issues may include migration, the environment, national identity, European integration, business, remembering the past, and technology. Focus on Germany, Austria, and Switzerland and to a lesser extent Belgium, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. Taught in English. Does not count toward the German Studies major or minor.
Taught in English. Introduction to Berlin within the context of major German and European historical, social, intellectual, and artistic developments since 1800. Exploration of complex epochs such as the Bismarck, Nazi, Cold War, and post-unification eras through journalism, literature, sociological writings, and film. Does not count toward German major or minor. This course is offered at the 100 and 300 levels with additional assignments at the 300-level. Not open to students who have completed GERM 332.
Taught in English. Introduction to the pagan myths and beliefs of Teutonic antiquity and their survival in the popular traditions of Germanic countries, within the framework of comparative mythology, archaeology, and anthropology. Does not count toward the German major or minor.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in German. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of First-Year Experience. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status.
Continuation of GERM 108. Further development of students' balanced knowledge of the German language and culture, including the ability to understand and produce short spoken, written, and multimedia texts in different genres and to interpret, compare, and contrast German and American cultural phenomena. Emphasis on interaction. Not open to native speakers of German. Students who complete this course successfully should take GERM 202. Prerequisite: GERM 108 or placement by examination.
Continuation of GERM 201. Further development of students' balanced knowledge of the German language and culture, including the ability to understand and produce short spoken, written, and multimedia texts in different genres and to interpret, compare, and contrast German and American cultural phenomena. Emphasis on interaction. Not open to native speakers of German. Students who successfully complete this course should take GERM 301. Prerequisite: GERM 201 or placement by examination.
Continuation of GERM 201; completes language proficiency sequence. Further development of students' balanced knowledge of the German language and culture, including the ability to understand and produce short spoken, written, and multimedia texts on the topics related to professional communication and to interpret, compare, and contrast German and American business cultural phenomena. Emphasis on interaction. Recommended for students planning to take GERM 352 and GERM 462. Not open to native speakers of German. Prerequisite: GERM 201 or placement by examination.
This course is for elementary- and intermediate-level instruction in the German language while studying abroad. Transfer credits must be arranged through the KU Office of Study Abroad, with permission from the departmental undergraduate advisor. May be repeated for credit if content varies.
This course is for elementary- and intermediate-level German Studies courses taught in German taken while studying abroad. Transfer credits must be arranged through the KU Office of Study Abroad, with permission from the departmental undergraduate advisor. May be repeated for credit if content varies.
This course provides an introduction to the concepts of applied translation as well as an overview of translation theory. Translation is a severely misunderstood activity and profession, and mechanical translation has been justifiably downgraded in communicative foreign language teaching. This course is intended for students of any foreign language (classical or modern) who are interested in the field and profession of literary and non-literary translation. The course focuses on written translation and does not treat (oral) interpretation in detail. (Same as AAAS 250, LING 250, SLAV 250 and SPAN 202.) Prerequisite: Study of a foreign language, minimum two semesters of the same language.
This course investigates the phenomenon of human migration through the lens of New Media (documentaries, film essays, digitized political performance art, gallery installations) in Germany. Drawing also on cinematic, historical, and legal texts, we will uncover the complex layers of existence that result when migrants cross a national border. Students will better understand the nuanced aesthetics and sociopolitical context of Germany's New Media production. Ultimately, we will analyze how German productions inform the global debate on migration and our understanding of migrant experiences.
Continuation of GERM 202. Further development of students' use of German through reading and discussion of literary and non-literary texts (spoken, written, multimedia, combined with intensive grammar review. Introduction to expressive functions of German with emphasis on spoken and written communication. Not open to native speakers of German. Students who complete this course successfully should take GERM 302. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or placement by examination.
Continuation of GERM 301. Refinement and expansion of students' use of German. Reading and discussion in German of literary and non-literary texts (spoken, written, multimedia), combined with continued intensive grammar review. E mphasis on better understanding German grammatical structures and acquisition of vocabulary. Not open to native speakers of German. Students who complete this course successfully should take GERM 401. Prerequisite: GERM 301 or placement by examination.
Introduction in English to German writers 1750-present featuring texts about the supernatural and monstrous. Students examine how encounters with magic and construction of monsters reflect particular cultural anxieties, fears, and ideals as relating to historical developments, industrialization, and scientific advancement. Discussion of themes such as gender, sexuality, class, race, empire, war, politics, and technology in German-speaking Europe. Readings include works in translation by influential German writers. Open to first-year students and non-majors. GERM 315 is required for admission to all courses beyond GERM 402 except GERM 462. (Same as EURS 315.)
Taught in English. Exploration of writers, filmmakers, and artists who have emigrated from, or migrated to German-speaking Europe. Emphasis on both their transnational impact and their representations of border crossings. Topics may include exile communities before, during, and after World War II and multiculturalism in contemporary Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
This course is for 300-level German Studies courses taught in German taken while studying abroad. Transfer credits must be arranged through the KU Office of Study Abroad, with permission from the departmental undergraduate advisor. May be repeated for credit if content varies. Prerequisite: GERM 302 or the equivalent.
Taught in English. Exploration of the arts in German-speaking Europe: major cultural periods, movements, art forms, and people (artists, architects, composers, writers, filmmakers) from the Middle Ages to the present. Consideration of the arts within the larger European historical and cultural context from which they emerged. Does not count toward the German major or minor. This course is offered at the 100 and 300 levels with additional assignments at the 300-level. Not open to students who have completed GERM 128.
Taught in English. Interdisciplinary study of selected aspects of the society or culture of German-speaking Europe or of the European experience. Does not count toward the German major or minor.
Taught in English. Introduction to Berlin within the context of major German and European historical, social, intellectual, and artistic developments since 1800. Exploration of complex epochs such as the Bismarck, Nazi, Cold War, and post-unification eras through journalism, literature, sociological writings, and film. Does not count toward German major or minor. This course is offered at the 100 and 300 levels with additional assignments at the 300-level. Not open to students who have completed GERM 132.
Intensive practice in conversational German with instruction in proper pronunciation as well as an introduction to idiomatic usage. Only for students in the KU Summer Language Institute in Holzkirchen, Germany or in courses offered through the KU Language Training Center. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or equivalent fourth -semester German course.
Intensive review and practice of select topics in German grammar. Offered only for students in the KU Summer Language Institute in Holzkirchen, Germany or in courses offered through the KU Language Training Center. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or equivalent fourth-semester German course.
Introduction to the migration of German-speaking Europeans to North America, 17th century-present. Consideration of European and North American factors motivating migration, the journey to the New World, the experiences of immigrants and their descendants, and the ways in which German-speaking Europeans shaped the multicultural history of America. Taught in English.
Students visit museums and cultural sites in Cologne, Berlin, Munich, and other locations, with a focus on the 20th century. Discussion and written assignments in German. Offered only for the KU Summer Language Institute in Holzkirchen, Germany. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or equivalent fourth-semester German course.
Further development of practical conversational skills for students with intermediate proficiency in German. Discussion of topics from everyday German life and current affairs, based on German newspapers and magazines. May be repeated but counts only once toward the major or minor. Not open to native speakers of German. Prerequisite: GERM 202.
High-intermediate content-based course with focus on the language skills needed to engage actively with the German business world, including applying for internships and jobs. Introduction to common cultural practices in the German business environment. Use of multimedia sources to explore current events and issues in Germany and their significance within a global business context. Not open to native speakers of German. Prerequisite: GERM 202 or the equivalent.
Exploration of German Studies topics such as literature, film, philosophy, social institutions, language, the arts, media. Topics vary, and course may address topics across a narrow or broad time frame. Course conducted in German. May be repeated if content varies. Prerequisite: GERM 302.
Examination of topics such as Expressionism, Turkish-German culture in contemporary German film, popular filmmaking, post-unification film, German literature as film, German film and national identity. Topics and periods vary. Prerequisite: GERM 302.
For students enrolled in the KU Summer Language Institute in Germany. Selected works of major German Language writers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Not open to native speakers of German. Prerequisite: GERM 302.
Continuation of GERM 302. Expansion and refinement of proficiency in German (speaking, listening, reading, writing), increased understanding of German grammatical structures, development of a more sophisticated vocabulary, and introduction to stylistics through discussion and analysis of literary and nonliterary texts. Students successfully completing GERM 401 may take all other GERM courses at the 400 and 500 levels. Prerequisite: GERM 302.
Continuation of GERM 401. Development of advanced proficiency in German through analysis and discussion of literary and nonliterary texts and practice in advanced composition. Emphasis in both discussions and papers on style and rhetoric and on developing skill in textual analysis. Focus on advanced German grammar and on style and idiomatic expression in spoken and written German. Prerequisite: GERM 401.
Exploration of major cultural periods and movements within the framework of historical and political change, with investigation of themes such as nation and national identity, founding myths, geography, and language. Study of forms of culture in German-speaking Europe, including visual art, music, literature, architecture, and the press. Prerequisite: GERM 315 and GERM 401.
Exploration of major cultural periods and movements 1750-present within the framework of historical and political change, with investigation of themes such as nation and national identity, founding myths, geography, and language. Study of forms of culture in German-speaking Europe, including visual art, music, literature, architecture, and the press. Prerequisite: GERM 315 and GERM 401.
What does it mean to cross a border in today's world? This course explores different examples of "border crossing" in German-speaking Europe and in their broader European and transatlantic context. Engaging with literature, film, and works of art from the 20th to 21st centuries, we will address topics such as fictional representations of America; exile literature before and during World War II; the Berlin Wall and divided Germany; and migration and multiculturalism in contemporary Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This course is taught in German. Prerequisite: GERM 302.
Independent study and directed reading on special topics. Permission of the instructor who will supervise the student's work is required. Not open to native speakers of German.
Advanced content-based course with focus on the language skills needed to examine the German social market economy, legal forms of companies, and the business planning process. Use of multimedia sources to explore current German business and economic issues in international, transatlantic, and global contexts. Team research project and presentation. Prerequisite: GERM 362 or permission of instructor.
Exploration of cultural forms such as literature, film, philosophy, social institutions, linguistics, the arts, and the press. Examination of how cultural meaning is produced and interpreted. Topics vary, and course may address topics across a narrow or broad time frame. May be repeated if content varies. Prerequisite: GERM 315 and GERM 401.
Focus on usage-based grammar of contemporary German. Extensive reading and analysis of grammatical structures in context and integration of form, meaning, and use. Exploration of grammatical structures using contemporary electronic textual analysis tools. Prerequisite: GERM 402.
Study of the definition, style, form, and content of a specific literary genre in German-language literature and the social, cultural, political, and economic factors that led to its emergence. Consideration of the genre's suitability for particular writers or periods. Topic and period vary. May be repeated if content varies. Prerequisite: GERM 315 and GERM 401.
Students write and present a research paper on an aspect of contemporary German-speaking Europe. Focus on learning or refining the linguistic and research-related skills needed to produce a research paper. Students synthesize their knowledge of German Studies with coursework they have completed in other disciplines. Conducted in German and English. Required of all German Studies majors in senior year. Prerequisite: GERM 315, GERM 401, and senior standing.
Research for a departmental honors project, on a topic chosen in conjunction with the faculty advisor. Emphasis on independent study and writing. Open to students with previous coursework in German at the 400 level, an overall 3.0 GPA, and at least a B+ average in advanced work in German. Prerequisite: GERM 315, GERM 401, senior standing, and permission of Undergraduate Advisor.
Readings and discussions in German of selected literary works on a particular topic or theme (e.g., nature, women, art and literature, etc.). May be repeated. Prerequisite: Two literature courses from GERM 400, GERM 408, and GERM 416, and two composition courses from GERM 340, GERM 344, and GERM 348, or equivalent.
Readings and discussions in German in an area of specialized language or linguistic study (e.g., lexical fields, modern German dialects, etc.). May be repeated. Prerequisite: Two literature courses from GERM 400, GERM 408, and GERM 416, and two composition courses from GERM 340, GERM 344, and GERM 348, or equivalent.
Readings and discussions in German on some aspect of German culture or folklore, including Landeskunde (study of contemporary Germany). May be repeated. Prerequisite: Two literature courses from GERM 400, GERM 408, and GERM 416, and two composition courses from GERM 340, GERM 344, and GERM 348, or equivalent.
Practical exercises in the systematic study of idioms and synonyms, designed to foster a more discriminating and effective usage of German. Prerequisite: Two literature courses from GERM 400, GERM 408, and GERM 416 and two composition courses from GERM 340, GERM 344, and GERM 348, or equivalent.
Recommended for students intending to teach German. Prerequisite: Two literature courses from GERM 400, GERM 408, and GERM 416 and two composition courses from GERM 340, GERM 344, and GERM 348, or equivalent.
An introduction to the skills required of students enrolled in graduate degree programs in German Studies; areas covered include 1) introduction to literary theory and criticism, 2) bibliography and research methods, including database management software, 3) preparation and presentations of a research/conference paper, 4) technology training, including web design, on-line portfolio, and digital humanities, and 5) professional ethics and awareness of the academic market and alternative careers. We will also be working on practical, professionally useful goals, such as how to (better) make use of technology, how to create a CV and modify it for different positions, how to write an abstract, and how to produce a conference paper. Course requirements will include a variety of smaller assignments and two larger projects, a web-based professional portfolio and an 8 to10-page conference paper.
Introduction to methods of literary research and presentation of seminar papers. Exercises in the use of basic guides to the study of German language and literature, in the documentation of scholarly research, and in the writing of interpretive essays, based on reading and discussion of selected works from different periods of the departmental "Basic Reading List.
Discussion of policies in the M.A. program, examinations, thesis proposals, writing of theses, grant proposals, conference presentations, publications of scholarship, and entrance into the academic job market. Required of all M.A. students in the first year in the program. Does not count toward completion of 30 hours of course work for the M.A.
A comprehensive introduction to the structure and usage of contemporary German, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, text linguistics, semantics, pragmatics, and language variation. Students will listen to lectures, read texts on German linguistics, participate in discussions, and work extensively on linguistic problems involving German.
Intensive study of a selected topic in German literature. May be repeated. Offered only in conjunction with GERM 616 when taught by a Max Kade Distinguished Visiting Professor. Graduate students will be assigned additional work.
Reading and discussion of major literary works in the period; combined with lectures and background readings on literary, cultural, and political history.
Reading and discussion of major literary works in the period; combined with lectures and background readings on literary, cultural, and political history.
Reading and discussion of major literary works in the period; combined with lectures and background readings on literary, cultural, and political history.
Course covers key topics in German Studies and represents the expertise of faculty in the department as well as department-affiliated faculty. Topics will vary from semester to semester and instructor to instructor to allow flexibility for in-depth analysis of particular topics. May be repeated as topics vary.
To be taken only in exceptional cases. Permission of the instructor who will supervise the student's work is required.
Introduction to selected aspects of second-language acquisition, foreign-language pedagogy, and contrastive grammar, with the major concentration on practical guidance in teaching elementary German, in test preparation and grading, and in the use of equipment.
Discussion of matters relating to the teaching of German in specific courses. Required of all GTAs in each semester of teaching, unless enrolled in GERM 800. Does not count toward completion of 30 hours of course work for the M.A. or 27 hours of course work for the Ph.D.
Introduction to theories and topics in German applied linguistics.
Introduction to modern German dialects, methods of dialect research and aspects of linguistic assimilation and loss as well as a survey of German-American dialects. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor required.
May not be repeated.
Discussion of policies in the Ph.D. program, research specializations, examinations, dissertation proposals, writing of dissertations, grant proposals, conference presentations, publication of scholarship, and entrance into the academic job market. Required of all Ph.D. students in the first year in the program. Does not count toward completion of 27 hours of course work for the Ph.D.
To be taken only in exceptional cases. Permission of the instructor who will supervise the student's work is required.
Courses
Vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, grammar, and writing. Course includes reading of simple texts. Main emphasis on Iranian Persian; acquaintance with basic differences between Iranian, Dari and Tajik Persian. Interested students to be provided with additional opportunities to improve their linguistic skills in the dialect of their interest. Five hours of class per week.
Continuation of PERS 110. Vocabulary acquisition, pronunciation, grammar, and writing. Course includes reading of simple texts. Main emphasis on Iranian Persian; acquaintance with basic differences between Iranian, Dari and Tajik Persian. Interested students to be provided with additional opportunities to improve their linguistic skills in the dialect of their interest. Five hours of class per week. Prerequisite: PERS 110 or departmental permission.
A continuation of PERS 120. Course emphasizes oral and written work in Persian. Systematic review of grammar and introduction to reading in cultural texts. Main emphasis on Iranian Persian; acquaintance with basic differences between Iranian, Dari and Tajik Persian. Interested students to be provided with additional opportunities to improve their linguistic skills in the dialect of their interest. Prerequisite: PERS 120 or departmental permission.
A continuation of PERS 210. Course emphasizes oral and written work in Persian. Systematic review of grammar and introduction to reading in cultural texts. Main emphasis on Iranian Persian; acquaintance with basic differences between Iranian, Dari and Tajik Persian. Interested students to be provided with additional opportunities to improve their linguistic skills in the dialect of their interest. Prerequisite: PERS 210 or departmental permission.
Enhancement of speaking, comprehension, reading and writing abilities in Persian. Readings from Persian literature introduced. Main emphasis on Iranian Persian; acquaintance with basic differences between Iranian, Dari and Tajik Persian. Interested students to be provided with additional opportunities to improve their linguistic skills in the dialect of their interest. Prerequisite: PERS 220 or placement exam that establishes a level of proficiency in Persian suited to Advanced Persian I.
Enhancement of speaking, comprehension, reading and writing abilities in Persian. Readings from Persian literature introduced. Main emphasis on Iranian Persian; acquaintance with basic differences between Iranian, Dari and Tajik Persian. Interested students to be provided with additional opportunities to improve their linguistic skills in the dialect of their interest. Prerequisite: PERS 310 or placement exam that establishes a level of proficiency in Persian suited to Advanced Persian II.
This course is designed for students seeking proficiency in Persian beyond PERS 320. The instructor directs the student through readings and materials in Persian that add to the student's substantive knowledge of Persian culture in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. May be taken multiple semesters for credit with varying content. Prerequisite: PERS 320 and consent of instructor.
Courses
First Semester. Essentials of grammar, practice in reading, writing, and speaking Polish.
Honors version of PLSH 104, with additional work aimed at accelerating students progress to proficiency and expanding their cultural competence. Prerequisite: Open only to students admitted to the University Honors Program, or by permission of instructor.
A continuation of PLSH 105. Honors version of PLSH 108, with additional work aimed at accelerating students progress to proficiency and expanding their cultural competence. Prerequisite: PLSH 104 or PLSH 105. Open only to students admitted to the University Honors Program, or by permission of instructor.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in Polish. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of First-Year Experience. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status.
Second-year course in the language with emphasis on reading, composition, and conversation. Prerequisite: PLSH 108.
A practical Polish language course involving advanced study of the grammar, reading of texts on a variety of subjects, conversation, and composition. Taught in Polish. Designed for students who have had two or more years of Polish language. Prerequisite: PLSH 208 or equivalent.
A practical Polish language course involving advanced study of the grammar, reading of texts on a variety of subjects, conversation, and composition. Taught in Polish. Designed for students who have had two and one-half or more years of Polish. Prerequisite: PLSH 504 or equivalent.
Directed individual readings on various topics concerning Polish literature and/or language. Prerequisite: Two years or four semesters of Polish, and consent of instructor.
Courses
A multidisciplinary introduction to Russia and Eastern Europe. The course explores the geography, history, and politics of this complex region, as well as the diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages, and religions. A special focus of the course is the current socio-political situation in Russia and Eastern Europe in the context of the fall of communism nearly 30 years ago and the ongoing post-communist transition. Students will watch a movie every two weeks as a visual representation of issues discussed via scholarly articles and chapters, newspaper articles and news clips, video lectures, documentary and animated films, music videos, and literature. This course is offered at the 100 and 300 level with additional assignments at the 300 Level. Not open to students with credit in REES 310.
A multidisciplinary introduction to Russia and Eastern Europe. The course explores the geography, history, and politics of this complex region, as well as the diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages, and religions. A special focus of the course is the current socio-political situation in Russia and Eastern Europe in the context of the fall of communism nearly 30 years ago and the ongoing post-communist transition. Students in the course watch one feature film from Russia or Eastern Europe per week as a visual representation of issues discussed via scholarly articles and chapters, newspaper articles and news clips, video lectures, documentary and animated films, music videos, and literature. This course is offered at the 100 and 300 level with additional assignments at the 300 Level. Not open to students with credit in REES 311. Prerequisite: Open only to students in the University Honors Program, or by permission of instructor.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of First-Year Experience. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status.
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the societies and cultures of Eurasia (primarily Central Asia, Russia, and the Caucasus region). This interdisciplinary course reviews the geography, history, economics, social and political structures, religion, literature, music, and art of the region. The focus is mainly on the twentieth-century and topics of interest include the collapse of empires, the rise and fall of communism, the disintegration of the USSR and rise of authoritarianism, nationalism, and various forms of Islam in the region.
The purpose of this course is to acquaint students with the societies and cultures of Eurasia (primarily Central Asia, Russia, and the Caucasus region). This interdisciplinary course reviews the geography, history, economics, social and political structures, religion, literature, music, and art of the region. The focus is mainly on the twentieth-century and topics of interest include the collapse of empires, the rise and fall of communism, the disintegration of the USSR and rise of authoritarianism, nationalism, and various forms of Islam in the region. Open only to students admitted to the University Honors Program or by permission of instructor.
A multidisciplinary introduction to Russia and Eastern Europe. The course explores the geography, history, and politics of this complex region, as well as the diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages, and religions. A special focus of the course is the current socio-political situation in Russia and Eastern Europe in the context of the fall of communism nearly 30 years ago and the ongoing post-communist transition. Students in the course watch one feature film from Russia or Eastern Europe per week as a visual representation of issues discussed via scholarly articles and chapters, newspaper articles and news clips, video lectures, documentary and animated films, music videos, and literature. This course is offered at the 100 and 300 level with additional assignments at the 300 Level. Not open to students with credit in REES 110.
A multidisciplinary introduction to Russia and Eastern Europe. The course explores the geography, history, and politics of this complex region, as well as the diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages, and religions. A special focus of the course is the current socio-political situation in Russia and Eastern Europe in the context of the fall of communism nearly 30 years ago and the ongoing post-communist transition. Students in the course watch one feature film from Russia or Eastern Europe per week as a visual representation of issues discussed via scholarly articles and chapters, newspaper articles and news clips, video lectures, documentary and animated films, music videos, and literature. This course is offered at the 100 and 300 level with additional assignments at the 300 Level. Not open to students with credit in REES 111.
Interdisciplinary examination of topics involving two or more disciplines in Russian, East European, and Eurasian studies.
Development of interdisciplinary research skills and familiarity with resources and issues in the study of Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. Preparation for REES 496.

Interdisciplinary original research conducted using at least one REES language and resulting in a research paper. Prerequisite: REES 492.
Individual and supervised readings in selected areas of Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. Prerequisite: Prior permission of instructor and either CREES director or associate director.

Research and writing of a substantial paper, involving interdisciplinary original research and use of sources in at least one REES language, and presentation of this paper to an Honors committee of three REES faculty members. This thesis must be substantially different from any other Honors thesis. Prerequisite: REES 492.
An intensive, multidisciplinary survey of Central Asia, focusing on the former Soviet republics-Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan-with additional coverage of neighboring regions (the Caucasus and the Caspian basin, Afghanistan, and western China). The course addresses the history of the region (from the Silk Road to Soviet rule), geography, religion, and the building of post-Soviet states and societies. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in REES 710. (Same as GEOG 590.) Prerequisite: One previous interdisciplinary area studies course or the instructor's permission.
This course examines Russian Orthodoxy as a religious system and the institution of the Russian Orthodox Church from its first appearance in Russia to the present. It focuses on beliefs and practices of the clergy and laity; institutional structures; the relationships between Church and State; interactions with non-Orthodox religious communities; responses to Soviet atheist policies; Orthodox influences on political theory, philosophy, literature, and the fine arts. (Same as REL 704.)
An intensive, multidisciplinary survey of Central Asia, focusing on the former Soviet republics-Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan-with additional coverage of neighboring regions (the Caucasus and the Caspian basin, Afghanistan, and western China). The course addresses the history of the region (from the Silk Road to Soviet rule), geography, religion, and the building of post-Soviet states and societies. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in REES 510 or GEOG 590.
Interdisciplinary examination of topics involving two or more of the cooperating disciplines in Russian and East European studies.
Enrollment to fulfill Masters continuous enrollment rule. Prerequisite: Completion of all degree requirements except submission of seminar paper or comprehensive examination.
Mastery of interdisciplinary research skills, and knowledge of resources and scholarship on the study of Russian, east European, and Eurasian Studies.
Research, write, and present a professional-quality paper, involving interdisciplinary original research, consultation with REES faculty, and substantial use of sources in at least one REES language. Prerequisite: REES 898.
Courses
First semester. Five hours of basic language acquisition and oral practice per week. Essentials of grammar, practice in comprehending, speaking, reading, and writing Russian.
Honors version of RUSS 104, with additional work aimed at accelerating students progress to proficiency and expanding their cultural competence. Prerequisite: Open only to students admitted to the University Honors Program, or by permission of instructor.
A continuation of RUSS 105. Honors version of RUSS 108, with additional work aimed at accelerating students progress to proficiency and expanding their cultural competence. Prerequisite: RUSS 104 or RUSS 105. Open only to students admitted to the University Honors Program, or by permission of instructor.
Fundamentals of Russian grammar, reading, speaking, and writing. Course designed to accommodate the needs of students regardless of age, educational background, or occupation. No previous knowledge of Russian or other foreign languages required.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in Russian. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of First-Year Experience. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status.
Fundamentals of Russian grammar, reading, speaking, and writing. Course designed to accommodate the needs of students regardless of age, educational background, or occupation. Does not count towards the fulfillment of the undergraduate language requirement. Does not count towards the undergraduate major in Slavic. Prerequisite: RUSS 152 or equivalent.
A practical Russian language course involving advanced study of the grammar, reading of texts on a variety of subjects, conversation, and composition. Taught in Russian. Designed for students who have had two and one-half or more years of Russian language. Prerequisite: RUSS 504.
This course focuses on the active mastery of language structures and vocabulary needed for people using Russian in professional capacities, particularly such as business and journalism. Materials will be drawn from the current Russian press and electronic media. Designed for students who have had basic language training and want to develop specialized language skills. Prerequisite: RUSS 208 or RUSS 216.
Introduction to the process of translating texts from Russian, focusing on kinds of translation, lexical and textual factors, and the revision process. Prerequisite: Two years minimum of Russian language courses.
Held in Russia. Twenty-four hours of class work weekly, plus lectures and excursions, for six weeks at St. Petersburg University. Prerequisite: RUSS 208 or the equivalent of twenty-two hours of Russian language courses.
Prerequisite: Two years of Russian, and consent of instructor.
This advanced Russian language class explores the monuments of Russian culture (1700-1980) in the context of the country's history, customs, artistic traditions and literary trends. It is designed to develop reading, writing, and speaking skills of advanced language students and includes the preparation of written and oral reports in Russian. Discussion format; conducted entirely in Russian. Prerequisite: RUSS 508 or equivalent.
This advanced Russian language class explores issues in contemporary Russian culture (literature and the arts, societal trends and issues, politics, and national life) based on Russian film, television, and print materials. It is designed to develop reading, writing, and speaking skills of advanced language students who wish to develop high levels of fluency, accuracy, and idiomatic expressiveness. Includes the preparation of both written and oral reports. Discussion format; conducted entirely in Russian. Prerequisite: RUSS 508 or equivalent.
A survey of fundamental issues in Russian phonetics, morphology, and syntax. The course will develop reading, writing, and speaking skills necessary for discussing and analyzing the major linguistic categories of Russian. Includes the preparation of both written and oral reports. Discussion format; conducted entirely in Russian. Prerequisite: RUSS 508 or equivalent.
Readings for this advanced Russian language class will be drawn from representative prose, poetry, and drama of 19th or 20th century authors. The course will develop reading, writing, and speaking skills necessary for discussing and analyzing the major texts and literary trends of the Russian tradition. Includes the preparation of both written and oral reports. Discussion format; conducted entirely in Russian. Prerequisite: RUSS 508 or equivalent.
Practical examination of the features of stylistic registers available in contemporary Russian, ranging from slang to colloquial speech to educated journalistic, scientific, and literary styles. The course will develop reading, writing, and speaking skills necessary for discussing and analyzing stylistic registers. Includes the preparation of both written and oral reports. Discussion format; conducted entirely in Russian. Prerequisite: RUSS 508 or equivalent.
Courses
Teaches skills for survival communication in Slovene and basic orientation in Slovene culture. Blended short course, designed to give a student rudimentary linguistic and cultural preparation for functioning in Slovene-speaking environment. Recommended for participants of study abroad in Slovenia. No previous knowledge of Slovene or other foreign languages required. The course does not count toward undergraduate language requirement.
First semester. Essentials of grammar, practice in speaking and writing a Slavic language. Simple readings from selected texts. Course may be used to teach the fundamentals of any Slavic language, for example, Slovenian, Macedonian, Slovak, etc.
An introduction to literature, history, political systems, spirituality, and the visual arts from a Russian perspective.
An introduction to literature, history, political systems, spirituality, and the visual arts from a Russian perspective.
A survey of the principal works of Russian literature including such authors as Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Pasternak, Solzhenitsyn, and others.
A survey of the principal works of Russian literature including such authors as Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Pasternak, Solzhenitsyn, and others.
An introduction to the various forms of folklore among the Slavic peoples, with particular emphasis on the folk literature, customs, and artifacts of Russia, Poland, and the South Slavic countries.
An introduction to the various forms of folklore among the Slavic peoples, with particular emphasis on the folk literature, customs, and artifacts of Russia, Poland, and the South Slavic countries.
This course introduces students to masterworks of literature written in response to the technological advances of the 20th century by some of the best authors in Czech, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, and formerly Yugoslav literatures. The writers covered include Karel Capek, Yuri Olesha, Valerian Pidmohylny, Ivo Andric, Stanislav Lem, Vaclav Havel, and Oksana Zabuzhko. Literary readings are supplemented with screenings of several films from the region. The course analyzes the ideological contexts in which these texts appeared, such as Soviet communism's dependence on technology and industrialization, post-World War II disillusionment with ideas of progress, and the Space Race.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in Slavic. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of First-Year Experience. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status.
The course provides a general introduction to Muslim communities and societies by surveying some of the major aspects of Muslims' lived experiences from the early Islamic period to the modern globalized world. It will challenge the essentialized notion of a "Muslim world," which is usually presented as a monolithic society. Through the course, students will develop a basic understanding of the rich diversity of Muslim communities in terms of cultural mores, religious practices, and sociopolitical conditions. Religious and sociopolitical practices will be analyzed in their ethical and moral perspectives. (Same as GIST 205.)
The vampire has been a fascinating and terrifying imagined other in human society for centuries. This course begins with the historical development of the vampire legend in Eastern Europe leading up to its contemporary Russian and English literary and cinematic variations. We will contextualize the various incarnations of the vampire and endeavor to consider the ethical significance of such a figure, through questions such as: What are the moral implications of becoming or being a vampire subject? Are there different ethical rules at play? Are vampires always unethical?
This course provides an introduction to the concepts of applied translation as well as an overview of translation theory. Translation is a severely misunderstood activity and profession, and mechanical translation has been justifiably downgraded in communicative foreign language teaching. This course is intended for students of any foreign language (classical or modern) who are interested in the field and profession of literary and non-literary translation. The course focuses on written translation and does not treat (oral) interpretation in detail. (Same as AAAS 250, GERM 240, LING 250 and SPAN 202.) Prerequisite: Study of a foreign language, minimum two semesters of the same language.
How do people express gender in diverse languages around the world? In a globalized world in which English is increasingly prominent, how are other languages changing to account for both global and local shifts in gender norms and expectations? This course will examine gender, multilingualism and globalization using approaches of sociolinguistics, linguistic anthropology, and communication studies. We will explore such topics as gender, sexuality, and multilingualism; gendered language variants; gender norms, politeness, and globalization; nonbinary and trans identities encoded in languages around the world, including but not limited to gender pronouns; identity, body, and linguistic practices; and considerations of power, hegemony, and imperialism. (Same as ANTH 325, GIST 303, JWSH 305 and WGSS 325.)
As a country that is geographically in the middle of a strategic global region, a key NATO ally, a candidate for EU membership, and representing a mix of democratic traditions, military coups, and authoritarian leaders combined with periods of rapid and drastic socioeconomic transformation, for one reason or another, Turkey seems to always be a country under the spotlight. This course is designed to give an overview of Modern Turkey and familiarize the student with its history, society and culture. Topics to be covered include the early republican period, ethnic and religious minorities, religion and secularism, music, cuisine, women, gender and sexuality, religious and national holidays, cinema and TV, among others. The primary purpose of this course is to help students develop necessary analytical and interpretive skills to identify, compare, and analyze Turkish cultural practices, products and perspectives as they relate to basic social, political, and historical contexts. No background knowledge of Turkey or the Turkish language is required. (Same as GIST 310 and TURK 310.)
This course presents an introduction to the study of the culture of the South Slavs and other peoples of Southeastern Europe, combining background modules in geography, linguistic culture, history, folklore and contemporary cultural criticism with critical viewings of artistic films. The course serves as an introduction to humanistic inquiry about the peoples and cultures of Southeastern Europe.
This course is similar in content to SLAV 316, but with an additional honors project. Prerequisite: Eligibility for or admission to the university Honors Program.
Jews and Slavs have shared territory from the Middle Ages to the present day. The contact between these culturally and linguistically distinct groups have shaped many centuries of Eastern European history - from the extreme violence of the pogroms to long periods of peaceful coexistence and cooperation. "Jews and Slavs" examines the history and cultural geography of Slavic-Jewish contact from the perspectives of both groups. Through literature, film, journalism, and folklore, students learn about the profound influence Jews and Slavs have had on each other, the uneasy feelings that accompanied their interactions, and the creative and fascinating impact their interaction had on both cultures. (Same as JWSH 318.)
This course examines the interaction between literature and memory, in particular how authors respond to major historical events and contribute to shaping the collective memory of those events. Students will read graphic novels inspired by memories of the Holocaust and Communism. Through the visual and textual mix of the graphic novel, we will consider the impact of historical upheavals on the lives of ordinary individuals, drawing connections to contemporary national and global socio-political problems. Students will write on these topics in a variety of academic and non-academic genres, including: journal, article summary, synthetic essay, analytical essay, and reflection essay/creative writing. (Same as GIST 321.)
A comprehensive introduction to Soviet cinema and its legacies in post-Soviet Russia. The course will examine what distinguished Soviet film industry from those in other countries and the ways in which it impacted the development of cinema worldwide. Films are analyzed both as artistic works (with attention to formal qualities, cinematic styles, and influences) and as documents that provide insight into the socio-political contexts of the times when they were made. We will also discuss influential contributions by Soviet filmmakers to our understanding of what makes film unique as an art form. The course is offered at the undergraduate and graduate level, with additional assignments at the graduate level. (Same as FMS 322.)
The course examines how geography, history, and traditions of Russia impact its contemporary business practices. It addresses influence of Russian culture on business communication (verbal and nonverbal), relationship building, the role of manager, the functioning of teams, negotiation, and decision making. Topics also include cultural aspects of relationship between businesses and the state, entrepreneurialism, advertising, and consumerism. Students examine business practices that foreign businessmen encounter in Russia.
Topics include current events, such as the resurgence of ethnonationalism, in which language and identity projects are aided by the internet and social media as well as case studies of emergent language-based nations. Students will gain an appreciation of the key role that languages play in creating a diverse Eastern Europe. This course will help prepare students for careers in international business, diplomacy, and politics, among others. This course is offered at the 300 and 500 level with additional assignments as the 500 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 341 or SLAV 540.
Topics include current events, such as the resurgence of ethnonationalism, in which language and identity projects are aided by the internet and social media as well as case studies of emergent language-based nations. Students will gain an appreciation of the key role that languages play in creating a diverse Eastern Europe. This course will help prepare students for careers in international business, diplomacy, and politics, among others. This course is offered at the 300 and 500 level with additional assignments as the 500 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 340 or SLAV 540. Prerequisite: Membership in the College Honors Program or consent of instructor.
This course focuses on artistic representations of violence resulting from historical events such as World War II, Soviet collectivization, the Gulag, and political purges. We consider Soviet literature and film, including works by Isaac Babel, Andrei Platonov, Anna Akhmatova, and Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Readings in English. The course is offered at the 300 and 500 levels, with additional assignments at the 500 level.
Exploration of Slavic cultural forms such as literature, film, linguistics, arts, and press. Topics vary, and course may address topics across a narrow or broad time frame. May be repeated if content varies.
Practical research experience in Slavic Studies gained by assisting a faculty member on a faculty research, editorial, pedagogical, or digital project. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Declaration of a Slavic Languages and Literatures major and permission of instructor.
The Senior Capstone Seminar offers undergraduate majors an opportunity to define, design and execute a substantial research/creative project under the mentorship of a faculty member. The project integrates the knowledge and skills gained in the coursework for the major and across the undergraduate curriculum, and demonstrates the students competence in the field of Slavic studies. Prerequisite: Slavic major status, senior standing.
Independent study and preparation of honors thesis. Required of all students working for a degree with honors in Slavic languages and literatures.
Study and discussion of contemporary problems in Russia and the former Soviet Union; readings in Russian, based on articles in newspapers, journals, etc. Conducted in Russian. Prerequisite: RUSS 208 or equivalent.
The course is designed to acquaint students with the shifting manner of public discourse in Post-Soviet Russia and help them to explore in some depth cross-cultural communication between America and Russia. In addition to contemporary and historical background on Russian communicative practices, students examine discourse in business development, mass media, marketing, and advertising. All readings in English. (Same as COMS 503).
A survey of West Slavic Literature and Civilization (Polish and Czech) from its beginnings to the present with emphasis on the most important trends: Renaissance, Romanticism, Positivism/Realism, Modernism and Avant-guard; Socialist realism, and Post-modernism. The course combines lecture, discussion and small group activities. Movie clips, recordings, and slides are used to reflect various cultural dimensions of West Slavic Civilization. No knowledge of Polish or Czech is required. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 706. Prerequisite: Any previous course in SLAV or RUSS.
An introductory survey of the literature and culture of the South Slavic peoples: the Slovenes, Croats, Bosniacs, Serbs, Montenegrins, Macedonians and Bulgarians. No language required.
Topics and problems in Russian cultural history as treated in the masterworks of Russian literature. Readings selected from the works of Pushkin, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Pasternak, Bulgakov, Solzhenitsyn, and other great Russian writers. Readings in English, no prerequisite for non-Russian majors. Russian majors will do some of the readings in Russian.
A comparative study of several most representative and best works of 19th- and 20th-century Polish and Czech fiction and drama and their film adaptations. By providing a broad cultural and historical background of the works, the course offers a thorough introduction to modern culture of Poland and the Czech Republic. Readings and discussions are in English, and no knowledge of Polish or Czech is required.
This course covers the main grammatical categories of Russian, including word formation, case, animacy, voice and reflexive verbs, imperatives, aspect, and word order. It is intended not only for linguists but anyone seeking a better understanding of the grammatical systems of Russian. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 722. Prerequisite: Two years of Russian language study or the equivalent.
This course introduces students to the study pragmatics: the relationship between utterances, the contexts in which these utterances were produced, and their reception and interpretation by the speakers. It investigates how grammatical choices on the sentence level (such as case, aspect, impersonalization, and more) affect and are influenced by the context in which utterances are produced, and how social variables such as gender, age, peer pressure, institutional power, and other factors are influential in production and interpretation of meaning. Other topics include extra-linguistic elements such as gesture and prosody, (im)politeness expressions, the pragmatics of narratives, and cross-cultural differences in contexts and reception of specific speech genres. Prerequisite: RUSS 508 or consent of instructor.
An introduction to the principles of Russian versification and to masterpieces of Russian poetry selected from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Students will learn to read, translate, and analyze poems in terms of rhyme, meter, euphony, metaphor, and other prosodic features. Emphasis will be placed upon preparing students for independent study and appreciation of Russian poetry in the original. Prerequisite: Language proficiency.
A study of the life and works of Fyodor Dostoevsky. In translation. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 732. Prerequisite: Any previous course in SLAV or RUSS.
A study of the life and works of Leo Tolstoy. In translation. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 734. Prerequisite: Any previous course in SLAV or RUSS.
Topics include current events, such as the resurgence of ethnonationalism, in which language and identity projects are aided by the internet and social media as well as case studies of emergent language-based nations. Students will gain an appreciation of the key role that languages play in creating a diverse Eastern Europe. This course will help prepare students for careers in international business, diplomacy, and politics, among others. This course is offered at the 300 and 500 level with additional assignments as the 500 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 340 or SLAV 341.
This course traces the evolution of the Russian novel from its beginnings with Pushkin and through the novels of Turgenev, Goncharov, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and others. In translation. Russian majors will read most works in Russian. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 760. Prerequisite: Two years of Russian language or consent of the instructor.
Individually tailored coursework in Slovene, from beginning to advanced level. Can include development of all four skills depending on the needs of the student. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An exploration of the "woman question" in nineteenth-century Russia as treated in literary texts. Authors to be included are: Tolstoy, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, as well as women writers such as Karolina Pavlova and Evgeniia Tur, and prominent literary and social critics. Readings in English. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 764. Prerequisite: Any previous course in SLAV or RUSS.
A survey of post-Soviet literary art, from approximately 1985 to the present, dealing with a range of subjects including the emergence of literature from the strictures of socialist realism and its relationship to concepts of postmodernism and postcolonialism. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 767. Prerequisite: Any previous course in SLAV or RUSS.
This course focuses on artistic representations of violence resulting from historical events such as World War II, Soviet collectivization, the Gulag, and political purges. We consider Soviet literature and film, including works by Isaac Babel, Andrei Platonov, Anna Akhmatova, and Alexander Solzhenitsyn. Readings in English. The course is offered at the 300 and 500 levels, with additional assignments at the 500 level.
A comprehensive introduction to Russian, Soviet, and East European science fiction as it emerged in dialogue with utopian thinking, fantasy writing, and other cultural trends, and to how it responded to wider social contexts. Particular emphasis will be placed on the unique features of the Slavic science fiction tradition and its relationship the dominant Western forms of the genre. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 772. Prerequisite: Any previous course in SLAV or RUSS.
Examination in depth of the historical, social, intellectual, and artistic development of one or more major Slavic urban centers.
An examination of the cultural development of the South Slavs in the context of the Ottoman invasions and subsequent rule (14th-19th century), focusing on the frontier aspects of the Balkans, military culture, religion, economics and banditry, as well as other aspects of material and folk culture. No language requirement. Prerequisite: SLAV 316 or SLAV 508; or consent of instructor.
Introduction to the phenomena and problems of Slavic folklore. Prerequisite: Two years of Russian on the college level.
Readings in the period, in all genres. In translation; no prerequisite for non-Russian majors. Russian majors are required to have senior standing and read most works in Russian.
A study of the life and works of Vladimir Nabokov. In translation. No prerequisite.
Directed readings on Slavic culture in English. For non-majors. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Directed individual readings on various topics concerning Slavic linguistics. Prerequisite: Proficiency in at least one Slavic language, and consent of instructor.
Intensive study of a selected topic from Slavic languages, literatures, linguistics, or pedagogy.
A survey of West Slavic Literature and Civilization (Polish and Czech) from its beginnings to the present with emphasis on the most important trends: Renaissance, Romanticism, Positivism/Realism, Modernism and Avant-guard; Socialist realism, and Post-modernism. The course combines lecture, discussion and small group activities. Movie clips, recordings, and slides are used to reflect various cultural dimensions of West Slavic Civilization. No knowledge of Polish or Czech is required. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 506.
The Slavic languages and peoples, including briefly: their origin, prehistory, and early culture. Basic linguistic methodology as applied to Slavic material from the beginnings of Slavic linguistics to the present.
Readings from the works of the major poets, in Russian. Prerequisite: Language proficiency.
This course covers the main grammatical categories of Russian, including word formation, case, animacy, voice and reflexive verbs, imperatives, aspect, and word order. It is intended not only for linguists but anyone seeking a better understanding of the grammatical systems of Russian. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 522. Prerequisite: Two years of Russian language study or the equivalent.
A comprehensive introduction to Soviet cinema and its legacies in post-Soviet Russia. The course will examine what distinguished Soviet film industry from those in other countries and the ways in which it impacted the development of cinema worldwide. Films are analyzed both as artistic works (with attention to formal qualities, cinematic styles, and influences) and as documents that provide insight into the socio-political contexts of the times when they were made. We will also discuss influential contributions by Soviet filmmakers to our understanding of what makes film unique as an art form. The course is offered at the undergraduate and graduate level, with additional assignments at the graduate level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 322/FMS 322. (Same as FMS 722.) Prerequisite: Graduate standing or instructor permission.
A study of the life and works of Anton Chekhov. Open to senior Russian majors and graduate students. Readings in Russian. Prerequisite: Three years of Russian or the equivalent.
A study of the life and works of Fyodor Dostoevsky. In translation. No prerequisite. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 532.
A study of the life and works of Leo Tolstoy. In translation. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 534.
This course is an introduction to the skills required of students doing graduate degrees in Slavic languages and literatures; areas covered include 1) introduction to literary theory and criticism, 2) bibliography and research methods, including database management software, 3) preparation and presentations of a research/conference paper, 4) technology training, including web design, on-line portfolio, and digital humanities, and 5) professional ethics and awareness of the academic market and alternative careers. We will also be working on practical, professionally useful goals, such as how to (better) make use of technology, how to create a CV and modify it for different positions, how to write an abstract, and how to produce a conference paper. Course requirements will include a variety of smaller assignments and two larger projects, a web-based professional portfolio and an 8 to 10-page conference paper.
A course in the first written language of the Slavs (9-12th centuries AD), with discussion of Indo-European, Baltic and Common Slavic background. Prerequisite: Two years of Russian or the study of another ancient Indo-European language.
A detailed examination of the morphology and usage of verbal aspect in Russian and other Slavic languages, which is a particularly troublesome area for foreign learners of Russian. Prerequisite: SLAV 522.
This course traces the evolution of the Russian novel from its beginnings with Pushkin and through the novels of Turgenev, Goncharov, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and others. In translation. Russian majors will read most works in Russian. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 550. Prerequisite: Two years of Russian language or consent of the instructor.
A study of the development of Russian theatre and dramatic literature from 1898 to the present. Lectures and readings in English. (Same as THR 725.)
An exploration of the "woman question" in nineteenth-century Russia as treated in literary texts. Authors to be included are: Tolstoy, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, as well as women writers such as Karolina Pavlova and Evgeniia Tur, and prominent literary and social critics. Readings in English. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 564.
A survey of post-Soviet literary art, from approximately 1985 to the present, dealing with a range of subjects including the emergence of literature from the strictures of socialist realism and its relationship to concepts of postmodernism and postcolonialism. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 567.
A comprehensive introduction to Russian, Soviet, and East European science fiction as it emerged in dialogue with utopian thinking, fantasy writing, and other cultural trends, and to how it responded to wider social contexts. Particular emphasis will be placed on the unique features of the Slavic science fiction tradition and its relationship the dominant Western forms of the genre. This course is offered at the 500 and 700 level with additional assignments at the 700 level. Not open to students with credit in SLAV 572.
An examination of the development of the Slavic languages from the Common Slavic period to the present, proceeding from Indo-European. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Russian.
Required for all teaching assistants, assistant instructors engaged in the teaching of Slavic languages and persons planning for careers in teaching Slavic languages. Combines discussion of theoretical teaching concepts with practical solution of problems arising concurrently in Slavic language courses. Students enrolled for two or three hours will study advanced Slavic grammar topics and stylistics as they apply to the teaching of Slavic languages.
Topics in Slavic linguistics. Content will vary. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Ph.D. student in Slavic Languages and Literatures.
Dissertation Hours. Graded on a satisfactory progress/limited progress/no progress basis.
Courses
Basic language acquisition, including essentials of grammar, speaking, and writing standard (Osmanli) Turkish.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in Turkish. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of First-Year Experience. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status.
Second-year course in Turkish language with emphasis on reading, composition, and conversation. Prerequisite: TURK 108.
As a country that is geographically in the middle of a strategic global region, a key NATO ally, a candidate for EU membership, and representing a mix of democratic traditions, military coups, and authoritarian leaders combined with periods of rapid and drastic socioeconomic transformation, for one reason or another, Turkey seems to always be a country under the spotlight. This course is designed to give an overview of Modern Turkey and familiarize the student with its history, society and culture. Topics to be covered include the early republican period, ethnic and religious minorities, religion and secularism, music, cuisine, women, gender and sexuality, religious and national holidays, cinema and TV, among others. The primary purpose of this course is to help students develop necessary analytical and interpretive skills to identify, compare, and analyze Turkish cultural practices, products and perspectives as they relate to basic social, political, and historical contexts. No background knowledge of Turkey or the Turkish language is required. (Same as GIST 310 and SLAV 310.)
This course introduces the student to Turkish culture, with a focus on the 20th and 21st centuries, mainly through films and literature. Among the topics are Turkey's geography, politics, history, religion, feminism, poetry, music and cuisine. This interdisciplinary course does not require any previous knowledge of Turkey or the Turkish Language; it is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Representative works of major authors and film directors will be discussed and analyzed in their historical, political and theoretical contexts. The course is offered at the 300 and 500 levels, with additional assignments at the 500-level.
This course introduces the student to Turkish culture, with a focus on the 20th and 21st centuries, mainly through films and literature. Among the topics are Turkey's geography, politics, history, religion, feminism, poetry, music and cuisine. This interdisciplinary course does not require any previous knowledge of Turkey or the Turkish Language; it is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Representative works of major authors and film directors will be discussed and analyzed in their historical, political and theoretical contexts. The course is offered at the 300 and 500 levels, with additional assignments at the 500-level. Prerequisite: REES 550 or permission of instructor.
Prerequisite: Two years of college-level Turkish and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit if content varies.
Courses
First semester. Five hours per week of recitation and drill in the spoken language. Essentials of grammar, practice reading, writing and speaking Ukrainian.
A limited-enrollment, seminar course for first-time freshmen, addressing current issues in Ukrainian. Course is designed to meet the critical thinking learning outcome of the KU Core. First-Year Seminar topics are coordinated and approved by the Office of First-Year Experience. Prerequisite: First-time freshman status.
Second year course in Ukrainian language with emphasis on reading, composition, and conversation. Prerequisite: UKRA 108.
This is a practical Ukrainian language course that will help students acquire advanced-level proficiency in the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Cultural understanding and pragmatic competence are given special emphasis. Taught in Ukrainian. Designed for students who have had two or more years of Ukrainian language. Prerequisite: UKRA 208 or consent of instructor.
This is a practical Ukrainian language course that will help students acquire advanced-level proficiency in the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Cultural understanding and pragmatic competence are given special emphasis. Taught in Ukrainian. Designed for students who have had two-and-a-half or more years of Ukrainian language. Prerequisite: UKRA 504 or consent of instructor.
Directed individual readings on various topics concerning the Ukrainian language. Prerequisite: Two years of Ukrainian.