Slavic Studies

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  The master programme in Slavic studies offers the opportunity to analyse definitive cultural developments and traditions in Russia and Poland. Our main emphasis is on the period from the 19^th to the 21^st century. We examine literature, philosophy and cultural criticism with regard to their relevance for contemporary social constellations and current political tendencies. Our programme includes the «great» texts and authors as well as occurrences at the fringe of the cultural landscapes and mainstream.
  The languages of instruction are German and French. Seminars in Russian are also held on a regular basis. This gives our students access to expert discussions and academic networks in German-speaking and French-speaking countries. We regularly invite guest lecturers from the Slavic region (Russia, Poland) in order to give our students maximum on-site contact with the Russian and Polish cultures.

  Fribourg profile
  Individual student care and development of competences
  It is our aim to create a working atmosphere for our students which is both inspiring and challenging. Student care and support are excellent thanks to our small course sizes: Teaching staff are accessible and provide rapid, substantial feedback. In discussions with experienced researchers, our students learn to develop academic questions and work on research activities independently. We attach great importance to linguistic and cultural competence, and are happy to arrange periods of study abroad at one of our partner universities in Russia or Poland.

  Academic networking
  As a relatively small department we maintain close ties with other areas of the University of Fribourg (comparative literature and linguistics, Eastern European studies). Above all, we cooperate with our sister institute at the University of Bern, especially with regard to their linguistic programmes and language courses in Russian and the South Slavic languages (Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian, Bulgarian).

  Interdisciplinary exchange
  Eastern European research has a long tradition at the University of Fribourg: We are the oldest Slavic Department in Switzerland (since the university's foundation in 1889). Today our university offers a wide variety of Eastern European exchange programmes and research projects. The Interfaculty Institute for Central and Eastern Europe and the Institute of Ecumenical Studies organise academic and cultural events on a regular basis. This gives our students the possibility of interdisciplinary exchange and a chance to broaden their academic and their personal horizons.

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  Learning outcomes
  Graduates in Slavic studies have a fundamental knowledge of Russian and/or Polish culture and are able to describe and interpret current phenomena against the background of historical developments. They are acquainted with the methods of Slavic literature and/or linguistics and are capable of developing and working on academic questions independently. They are familiar with the language and everyday culture of at least one Slavic country.

  Career openings
  Relations with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Europe have gained increasingly in importance in recent years. This has resulted in career opportunities for graduates of Slavic studies in the following areas: science and research, journalism/media, cultural cooperation, diplomatic service, federal administration, international authorities and enterprises, international organisations including NGOs, and teaching Russian at academic high school level.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen