Slavic Studies

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  Slavic studies are the gateway to an extremely diversified and vibrant sphere of culture, which stretches from Central Europe to East Asia. Focal points of Slavic studies in Fribourg are Russian and Polish culture. Our seminars and lectures give students a foundational knowledge of the literary and cultural history of these two countries. We are particularly interested in the interrelations between the cultures. We look at literature and language in the context of philosophy, religious thought, visual arts, film and popular culture. Students learn at least one Slavic language: Russian, Polish or Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian (no previous knowledge of the language is required).

  Fribourg profile
  The oldest Slavic Department in Switzerland
  An academic chair for Slavic languages and literatures was established in Fribourg at the university's foundation in 1889. This makes us the oldest Slavic Department in Switzerland. Today the focus of our teaching and research is mainly on Russian and Polish literature and culture, particularly of the 19^th–to 21^st centuries. Seminars on Serbian, respectively Croatian/Bosnian/Montenegrin literature are also held on a regular basis. Small course groups allow for optimum student care and support. Teaching staff are on hand, easily accessible and provide rapid, substantial feedback.

  Bilingual Slavic studies
  Seminars and lectures are held in German and French. In recent years, issues of translation and intercultural transfer have become the focus of concentration for literary and cultural research. In Fribourg we are there for our students, not just on the level of theory, but also in everyday teaching and learning practice. We are the only university in the world to offer Slavic studies with a bilingual curriculum in both German and French. Interchange between the languages, and above all openness for discussion and the research fields of various Slavic and non-Slavic countries, inspire students and teachers alike.

  Effective network of Eastern European competence
  We maintain close ties with the Institute of Slavic Languages and Literatures in Bern, which in particular offers linguistic programmes and language courses in Russian and the South Slavic languages (Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian, Bulgarian).
  Besides Slavic studies, the University of Fribourg also offers a remarkable array of expertise in Eastern European skills in a wide variety of fields, ranging from social anthropology to theology (with the Institute of Ecumenical Studies) and from political science to Byzantine studies. And unique in the whole of Switzerland are especially the lectures and seminars on Eastern European cultural philosophy.

  Study abroad programme
  We organise Russian summer courses in Moscow and St. Petersburg on a regular basis. We have well-established partnerships with universities in Russia and in Poland (Erasmus). This makes it easy to plan and carry out periods of study abroad.

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  Learning outcomes
  Graduates in Slavic studies are competent users of at least one Slavic language. They have a fundamental knowledge of Slavic literature, culture and linguistics. They possess intercultural competence and are familiar with the society and everyday culture of Russia, Poland and/or other Slavic countries.

  Career openings
  Besides continued study at master's degree level, this opens up a wide range of careers to our graduates. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Europe have gained increasingly in importance in recent years. This applies to business and politics as well as to culture. Concrete employment opportunities are available in the following areas: science and research, media, cultural cooperation, diplomatic service, federal administration, international authorities and enterprises, and international organisations including NGOs.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen