Slavic courses
We offer a full complement of courses in Russian, Ukrainian and East European Studies, leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Major, Minor and General Programs in Slavic Studies, as well as a Certificate in Russian Language and Cultural Proficiency.
If you are planning to do any program in the Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies, we recommend you consult the Slavic Advisor concerning course selection both within and outside the Department. Students specializing in particular programs will find that they have sufficient electives to enable them to concentrate (Double Major) in a second field. A wide selection of courses is therefore important, particularly to those students who may wish to enter graduate school, teaching, library work or government service.
Students who believe they have sufficient background to be exempted from a specific pre-requisite for a course may request a pre-requisite waiver by submitting the waiver request form to the Department or School offering the course. It is the student’s responsibility to provide any relevant documentation to support their request – see instructions on page 2 of the form for details. Students should contact the Department/School main office to find out where to electronically submit their waiver form.
TIMETABLE PLANNING
SPRING 2023 - Week at a Glance
Course title, term, sections, days and time, classrooms and instructor |
Short course description |
SLST 100 Intro to Russian Society and Culture TWF 12:30 - 1:30 pm |
Introduction to Russian society and culture from earliest times to the present. Explores Russian historical ties to other Slavic cultures, Asia and Europe. Discussion of the Russian national character as a cultural phenomenon by examining its geographical, historical and political sources. |
SLST 101 Beginning Russian I TWF 10:30 – 11:20 am |
For students with no previous knowledge of Russian. Covers the basics of Russian grammar, reading and conversation at the beginner's level resulting in an ability to communicate in selected typical situations. Introduction to various aspects of everyday Russian life and culture through the language. |
SLST 201 Intermediate Russian I TWF 1:30 - 2:20 pm |
This course expands and enhances your spoken and written knowledge of Russian. By the end of the semester, you will be able to converse and correspond in Russian in a variety of new situations. SLST 201 consists of three class hours per week. Prerequisites: SLST 102 or permission of the department. |
SLST 300 Slavic Cultural Studies MTh 1:00 - 2:30 pm |
Provides case studies in the cultural history of Slavic and other Eastern European countries in which students analyze texts, films, media, as well as visual and material objects and spaces from a variety of approaches and perspectives. |
SLST 303 Russian Pop Culture (in Russian) |
For advanced to intermediate students of Russian. Focuses on improving mastery of the spoken language and comprehension and study of Russian popular culture in the original language. |
SLST 450 Cold War on Film Th 4:30 - 7:20 pm |
A study of the enemy's image in Soviet and Western films of the Cold War era. Analysis of films and related literary and political texts tracing the cultural construction of Cold War animosity from 1945 to the recent renewal of geopolitical rivalry between Russia and the West. |
SLST 481 Existence and Anxiety in Dostoevsky MTh 10:00 - 11:20 am |
The major works of Dostoevsky, studied against the background of his life and times. |
SLST 482/581 20th Century Genocides in Eastern Europe |
Examines the common and unique features of genocides, ethnic cleansings and forced population transfers in twentieth-century Eastern Europe including the Ukrainian Famine, the Holocaust and the Bosnian War. |
SLST 499 Honours Thesis |
The honours thesis provides you with the enriching opportunity to work one-on-one with your faculty supervisor, to explore in detail a topic of your choice, and to write a thesis of approximately 7,500 words which is the capstone of your learning experience. If you are interested, please contact our Honours Advisor. |
Course title, term, sections, days and time, classrooms and instructor |
Short course description |
SLST 102 Beginning Russian II TWF 1:30 - 2:20 pm |
This course is a continuation of SLST 101 and is designed for the development of basic reading, writing, and conversational skills. It presents the basic Russian grammar, communicative models, and essential vocabulary. Prerequisites: SLST 101 or permission of the department. |
*New Course* TWF 9:30 - 11:20 am |
This course is an intensive introduction to spoken and written Russian for students with no previous knowledge of the language. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to communicate on selected topics at the beginners level making conscious choice of vocabulary and structure. You will also learn about various aspects of Russian life and culture through the language. A combination of SLST 101 and SLST 102, the course offers 6 hours of class time per week |
SLST 111 Beginning Ukrainian I |
Introduction to the essential points of grammar and basic vocabulary for everyday interaction, as well as reading and writing. |
SLST 202 Intermediate Russian II TWF 12:30 - 1:20 pm |
The course will further your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary at the intermediate level with continued reading, writing, listening and speaking in Russian. You will continue learning about Russian life and culture through the language. Prerequisites: SLST 201 or permission of the department. |
SLST 361 Imperial Russia, 1689-1917 MTh 10:00 - 11:20 am |
A history of Russian Empire from Peter the Great to the fall of the monarchy. Traces Russia's response to the challenge of the West, with special attention to political reforms, social transformation and cultural change. Discussion of whether Late Imperial Russia was history's dead end or a promise cut short by revolutionary violence. |
SLST 363 Modern Ukraine and Its Successor States, 1917-2000 MTh 1:00 – 2:20 pm |
Examines the formation of the modern Ukrainian nation with special emphasis on its historical relations with Russia. Discusses popular revolutions in Ukraine and the ensuing Russian-Ukrainian conflict in the wider historical context of imperial disintegration. |
SLST 364 Eastern Europe through Western Eyes Th 4:30 - 7:20 pm |
A study of Western literary and cinematic representations of Eastern Europe, as well as Eastern European cultural reactions to these. Focus on the period from the 18th century to the present, with special attention to the 20th-century mass culture and the redefinition of the European "East" in the wake of communism's collapse. |
SLST 401 Advanced Russian Practice TWF 12:30 - 1:30 pm |
For advanced students of Russian. Stresses written composition, translation and stylistic analysis, and focuses on enhancing reading skills. |
SLST 499 Honours Thesis |
The honours thesis provides you with the enriching opportunity to work one-on-one with your faculty supervisor, to explore in detail a topic of your choice, and to write a thesis of approximately 7,500 words which is the capstone of your learning experience. If you are interested, please contact our Honours Advisor. |