Slavic Languages and Literatures

University of California, Berkeley

This is an archived copy of the 2014-15 guide. To access the most recent version of the guide, please visit http://guide.berkeley.edu/.

Overview

The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures provides instruction in the languages and cultures of Russian and other Slavic peoples— Czech, Polish, and Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian (BCS)—as well as some of the non-Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe (Hungarian) and Eurasia (Armenian). In addition to language and literature, the Department teaches different aspects of Slavic cultures, including film, drama, visual arts, popular culture, critical theory, religious thought and cultural history.

Undergraduate Programs

Slavic Languages and Literatures : BA (with concentrations in Russian/East European/Eurasian Cultures; Russian Language and Literature; and Czech, Polish, or BCS (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian) Language and Literature)
Czech, Polish, or BCS (Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian) Language and Literature : Minor
Russian Language : Minor
Russian Language, Literature, and Culture : Minor
Russian Literature : Minor

Graduate Program

Slavic Languages and Literatures : PhD

Visit Department Website

Courses

Literature, Linguistics and Culture:

Languages:

Slavic Languages and Literatures

SLAVIC 200 Graduate Colloquium 0.0 Units

Reports on current scholarly work by faculty and graduate students.

SLAVIC 210 Old Church Slavic 4 Units

Introduction to Old Church Slavic, with special attention to inflexional morphology. Assigned translations and sight reading of selected texts.

SLAVIC 214 Medieval Orthodox Slavic Texts 4 Units

Assigned translations and sight reading of selected Medieval Orthodox Slavic texts.

SLAVIC 220 Comparative Slavic Linguistics 4 Units

Reconstruction of Common Slavic phonology and morphology in relation to Indo-European and modern Slavic languages.

SLAVIC 222 Descriptive Grammar of Slavic Languages 4 Units

Survey of morphology and syntax of a contemporary Slavic language (Czech, Polish, Russian, or Serbian/Croatian); see departmental announcement for topic. Recommended for prospective teachers.

SLAVIC 223 Advanced Structure of Slavic Languages: Grammatical Analysis and Theory 4 Units

Analysis of synchronic grammar and structure of discourse of a Slavic language (Czech, Polish, Russian, or Serbian/Croatian) with attention to theoretical models; see Department announcement for topic.

SLAVIC 230 Historical Grammar of Slavic Languages 4 Units

Historical phonology, morphology, and syntax of a Slavic language (Czech, Polish, Russian, or Serbian/Croatian). Some coverage of dialectology. See Department announcement for topic.

SLAVIC 231 History of Slavic Literary Languages 4 Units

Analysis of language and style of a Slavic literary language (Czech, Polish, Russian, or Serbian/Croatian) from the beginnings to the present, with emphasis on periods of particular significance. See Department announcement for topic.

SLAVIC 234 South Slavic Linguistics 4 Units

Linguistic history and dialectology of Slovenian, Bulgarian, Macedonian, and Serbian/Croatian.

SLAVIC 239 Twentieth-Century Slavic Literary Theory 4 Units

Attempts to describe literary forms, poetic usage of language, and cultural infrastructure, as a code, examined as a consistent trend in 20th-Century literary theory. Consideration of this scholarly trend in historical perspective; its sources, evolution, and eventual dissipation.

SLAVIC 242 Eighteenth-Century Russian Literature 4 Units

Studies in poetry, drama, and fiction, covering major figures between 1730 and the end of the century.

SLAVIC 245A Russian Sentimentalism and Romanticism (1790s-1840s) 4 Units

Coverage of major movements and genres in the intellectual context of the times. Readings in Russian.

SLAVIC 245B Russian Realism (1840s-1900) 4 Units

Coverage of major movements and genres in the intellectual context of the times. Readings in Russian.

SLAVIC 246A Russian Modernism (1890s-1920s) 4 Units

Coverage of major movements and genres in the intellectual context of the times. Readings in Russian.

SLAVIC 246B Contemporary Russian Literature (1920-present) 4 Units

Coverage of major movements and genres in the intellectual context of the times. Readings in Russian.

SLAVIC 248 Topics in Russian Cultural History 4 Units

This seminar addresses the problems and methods of cultural history within the Russian context. Special attention will be given to the social, political, and historical matrices which determine (and may be determined by) aesthetic production, as well as to the role of culture in the construction of everyday life. Topic and period variable. Instruction in English; texts in English and Russian. Students without reading knowledge of Russian should consult with instructor.

SLAVIC 256 Topics in Slavic Folklore 4 Units

Selected topics in Slavic folklore, with focus on contributions to folklore theory based on Slavic material.

SLAVIC 258 Languages, Peoples, and Cultures of the Greater Slavic World 4 Units

Topics in the languages, peoples, and cultures of Eastern and Central Europe, the CIS, and diasporas. Topics vary as to region (e.g., Northeastern Europe, the Baltic Coast, the Caucasus) and approach (e.g., sociolinguistics, ethnolinguistics, studies of ethnic and language minorities). Readings include sources in the original languages of the area.

SLAVIC 280 Studies in Slavic Literature and Linguistics 4 Units

Advanced studies in the several fields of Slavic literatures and linguistics. Content varies.

SLAVIC 281 Proseminar: Aims and Methods of Literary Scholarship 4 Units

Course designed for new graduate students in literature. Introduction to modern literary theory and criticism; principles of textual analysis; methods of bibliographical research.

SLAVIC 282 Proseminar: Aims and Methods of Linguistic Scholarship 4 Units

Course designed for new graduate students in Slavic linguistics. A survey of general and Slavic linguistics, Slavic philology, semiotics, and the relation of linguistics to literary studies. Methods of research and critical analysis. Current issues and goals of research.

SLAVIC 285 Eastern Christianity: History and Thought 4 Units

A survey of the religious history and thought of Eastern Europe and the Levant with an intent of providing greater insight into the shaping of faith and cultures of both halves of Europe.

SLAVIC 287 Russian Poetry 4 Units

Class conducted in Russian. Russian poetry and versification (eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries): close readings of texts. Variable topics.

SLAVIC 298 Special Study for Graduate Students 2 - 8 Units

Preliminary exploration of a restricted field involving research and a written report.

SLAVIC 299 Directed Research 2 - 12 Units

Normally reserved for students directly engaged upon the doctoral dissertation.

SLAVIC 301 Issues in Slavic Pedagogy 3 Units

Independent study. Consideration of special issues in the teaching of Slavic languages. Offered according to interest and need.

SLAVIC 310 Internship in the Teaching of Literature/Linguistics 1 - 2 Units

Weekly meetings with the instructor of the designated course. Discussion of course aims, syllabus preparation, lecture and assignment planning, grading, and related matters. Students may prepare a representative portion of the work for such a course (e.g., lecture outline and assignments for a course segment) and may participate in presentation of the material and in evaluation of samples of student work.

SLAVIC 375A Teaching Methods for Slavic Languages 3 Units

Course on practical teaching methods, grading, testing, and design of supplementary course materials. Required of all graduate student language instructors in Slavic. Course to be repeated for credit each semester of employment as a graduate student instructor.

SLAVIC 375B Teaching Methods of Reading and Composition 3 Units

Course on practical teaching methods, grading, testing, and design of supplementary course materials. Required of all graduate student instructors in Slavic. Course to be repeated for credit each semester of employment as a graduate student instructor.

SLAVIC 601 Individual Study for Master's Students 2 - 8 Units

Individual study for the comprehensive or language requirements in consultation with a field adviser.

SLAVIC 602 Individual Study for Doctoral Students 2 - 8 Units

Individual study in consultation with a major field adviser, intended to provide an opportunity for qualified students to prepare themselves for the various examinations required of candidates for the Ph.D.

Armenian

ARMENI 1A Introductory Armenian 3 Units

An introduction to Armenian language and culture, aiming to give students basic competence in all four skills and an introduction to traditional and contemporary Armenian culture.

ARMENI 1B Introductory Armenian 3 Units

An introduction to Armenian language and culture, aiming to give students basic competence in all four skills and an introduction to traditional and contemporary Armenian culture.

ARMENI 101A Continuing Armenian 3 Units

The purpose of this course is to further develop students' Armenian proficiency in all four language skills, using discussion, oral presentations, written assignments, and a variety of readings (literature, non-fiction, folklore, newspaper articles, etc.) chosen partly for their cultural significance and partly based on student needs and interests. Emphasis on particular skills (e.g. reading) depending on student needs and interests.

ARMENI 101B Continuing Armenian 3 Units

The purpose of this course is to further develop students' Armenian proficiency in all four language skills, using discussion, oral presentations, written assignments, and a variety of readings (literature, non-fiction, folklore, newspaper articles, etc.) chosen partly for their cultural significance and partly based on student needs and interests. Emphasis on particular skills (e.g. reading) depending on student needs and interests.

Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian

BOSCRSR 27A Introductory Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian 5 Units

Beginner's course. Sequence beginning Fall semester.

BOSCRSR 27B Introductory Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian 5 Units

Beginner's course. Sequence beginning Fall semester.

BOSCRSR 117A Continuing Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian 4 Units

Sequence begins fall semester.

BOSCRSR 117B Continuing Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian 4 Units

Sequence begins fall semester.

Bulgarian

BULGARI 28A Introductory Bulgarian 5 Units

Sequence begins in the fall. Practical instruction in the Bulgarian language with a focus on integrated skills (reading, grammar, conversation). Course offered as staffing permits.

BULGARI 28B Introductory Bulgarian 5 Units

Sequence begins in the fall. Practical instruction in the Bulgarian language with a focus on integrated skills (reading, grammar, conversation). Course offered as staffing permits.

BULGARI 118A Continuing Bulgarian 4 Units

This course consists of a review of Bulgarian grammar covered in 28A-28B, a thorough presentation of the complex verbal tense-mood system and readings in contemporary Bulgarian prose.

BULGARI 118B Continuing Bulgarian 4 Units

This course is a continuation of 118A. It also introduces the question of the relation between Bulgarian and Macedonian and readings in Bulgarian belletristic poetry and prose.

Czech

CZECH 26A Introductory Czech 5 Units

Beginner's course. Sequence beginning fall.

CZECH 26B Introductory Czech 5 Units

Beginner's course. Sequence beginning fall.

CZECH 116A Continuing Czech 4 Units

Sequence begins fall semester.

CZECH 116B Continuing Czech 4 Units

Sequence begins fall semester.

Hungarian

HUNGARI 1A Introductory Hungarian 3 or 4 Units

Practical instruction in the Hungarian language. The course can be taken for either 3 or 4 units; the additional unit involves language laboratory work and additional written reading assignments.

HUNGARI 1B Introductory Hungarian 3 or 4 Units

Practical instruction in the Hungarian language. The course can be taken for either 3 or 4 units; the additional unit involves language laboratory work and additional written reading assignments.

HUNGARI 100 Readings in Hungarian 2 Units

The purpose of this course is to further develop the student's language proficiency in reading, speaking and writing by using interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communicative modes. Exploration of fascinating aspects of Hungarian culture including elements of literature, contemporary and historical events, pop-culture, and folklore. Students will be able to influence topic selections according to their personal goals and interests.

Polish

POLISH 25A Introductory Polish 5 Units

Beginner's course. Sequence beginning fall.

POLISH 25B Introductory Polish 5 Units

Beginner's course. Sequence beginning fall.

POLISH 115A Continuing Polish 4 Units

Sequence begins fall semester.

POLISH 115B Continuing Polish 4 Units

Sequence begins fall semester.

Romanian

ROMANI 1A Introductory Romanian 3 Units

The course will focus on reading and comprehension, elementary speaking and writing, providing fundamental grammatical and lexical competence for further language acquisition in Romanian.

ROMANI 1B Introductory Romanian 3 Units

The course will focus on reading and comprehension, elementary speaking and writing, providing fundamental grammatical and lexical competence for further language acquisition in Romanian.

ROMANI 102A Continuing Romanian 3 Units

The purpose of this course is to further develop students' Romanian proficiency in all four language skills, using discussion, oral presentations, written assignments, and a variety of readings (literature, non-fiction, folklore, newspaper articles, etc.) chosen partly for their cultural significance and partly based on student needs and interests. Emphasis on particular skills (e.g., reading) depending on student needs and interests.

ROMANI 102B Continuing Romanian 3 Units

The purpose of this course is to further develop students' Romanian proficiency in all four language skills, using discussion, oral presentations, written assignments, and a variety of readings (literature, non-fiction, folklore, newspaper articles, etc.) chosen partly for their cultural significance and partly based on student needs and interests. Emphasis on particular skills (e.g., reading) depending on student needs and interests.

Russian

RUSSIAN 1 Elementary Russian 5 Units

Beginner's course.

RUSSIAN 2 Elementary Russian 5 Units

RUSSIAN 3 Intermediate Russian 5 Units

RUSSIAN 4 Intermediate Russian 5 Units

RUSSIAN 6A Introductory Russian for Heritage Speakers 3 Units

The course is aimed at "heritage speakers" of Russian, i.e., those who grew up speaking Russian in the family without a full Russian educational and cultural background. These courses are designed for students who have speaking and comprehension ability in Russian but have minimum exposure to writing and reading. This course teaches basic skills of writing, reading, and grammar. 6A focuses on basic writing and reading ability. 6B introduces further knowledge of grammar and syntax and develops writing skills. Both 6A and 6B include reading and cultural material. (Students with advanced reading proficiency should consider Slavic 114 or SLAVIC 190.)

RUSSIAN 6B Introductory Russian for Heritage Speakers 3 Units

The course is aimed at "heritage speakers" of Russian, i.e., those who grew up speaking Russian in the family without a full Russian educational and cultural background. These courses are designed for students who have speaking and comprehension ability in Russian but have minimum exposure to writing and reading. This course teaches basic skills of writing, reading, and grammar. 6A focuses on basic writing and reading ability. 6B introduces further knowledge of grammar and syntax and develops writing skills. Both 6A and 6B include reading and cultural material. (Students with advanced reading proficiency should consider Slavic 114 or SLAVIC 190.)

RUSSIAN 10 Elementary Intensive Russian 10 Units

This summer session course is equivalent to the first year of Russian language instruction offered at Berkeley. An intensive program designed to develop students' comprehension and conversation skills while presenting the basic grammar of modern, standard Russian. Lectures and films on Russian culture will be arranged.

RUSSIAN 20 Intermediate Intensive Russian 10 Units

This summer session course is equivalent to the second year of Russian language instruction at Berkeley. An intensive program designed to consolidate command of basic grammar and further develop comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills.

RUSSIAN 101 Advanced Russian Phonetics and Oral Performance 1 - 3 Units

Aimed at both undergraduate and graduate students, this course helps students to improve their pronunciation, bringing it closer to the native level. The course teaches a whole spectrum of oral speech performance, including phonetics, intonation, and rhetoric, taking into account different functional styles. Course may be taken for 1 unit (5 weeks: basic skills), 2 units (10 weeks: advanced skills) or 3 units (15 weeks: advanced phonetics and performance).

RUSSIAN 102 Readings in Specialized Russian 3 Units

Selected readings in scholarly (scientific and technical), journalistic, and business styles to acquaint the student with the peculiarities of vocabulary, grammar, and phraseology.

RUSSIAN 103A Advanced Russian 4 Units

Course covers three main aspects of advanced Russian: grammar, syntax, and reading. Grammar is reviewed. Course taught in Russian.

RUSSIAN 103B Advanced Russian 4 Units

Course covers three main aspects of advanced Russian: grammar, syntax, and reading. Grammar is reviewed. Course taught in Russian.

RUSSIAN 105A Advanced Russian/English/Russian Translation 3 Units

Advanced training in both oral and written translation skills covering various areas of politics, business, technology, law, science, and culture. Elements of literary and poetic translation.

RUSSIAN 105B Advanced Russian/English/Russian Translation 3 Units

Advanced training in both oral and written translation skills covering various areas of politics, business, technology, law, science, and culture. Elements of literary and poetic translation.

RUSSIAN 106A Advanced Russian for Heritage Speakers 3 Units

The course is aimed at "heritage speakers" of Russian, i.e., those who grew up speaking Russian in the family without a standard Russian educational background. The advanced course aims at building a sophisticated vocabulary, developing advanced reading ability, formal knowledge of grammar, and complete writing competency. This course fosters student's knowledge and understanding of Russian culture and society today. (Students with no or rudimentary reading proficiency should consider 6A or 6B by consent of instructor.)

RUSSIAN 106B Advanced Russian for Heritage Speakers 3 Units

The course is aimed at "heritage speakers" of Russian, i.e., those who grew up speaking Russian in the family without a standard Russian educational background. The advanced course aims at building a sophisticated vocabulary, developing advanced reading ability, formal knowledge of grammar, and complete writing competency. This course fosters student's knowledge and understanding of Russian culture and society today. (Students with no or rudimentary reading proficiency should consider 6A or 6B by consent of instructor.)

RUSSIAN 109 Business Russian 3 Units

This course is designed for students with a good command of basic Russian who would like to gain the vocabulary of business transactions in Russian to be able to establish actual contacts with Russian businesspeople, to participate in business negotiations, to compile business contracts in Russian, and to read Russian business magazines and newspapers. Elements of the business law of Russia will also be discussed.

RUSSIAN 120A Advanced Russian Conversation and Communication 2 - 3 Units

Aimed at fostering advanced conversation and communication skills, this course explores Russian culture through communication. Contains reading, films, vocabulary building, listening exercises, and speaking activities. The course can be taken for two or three credits; for two credits, attendance is required for two classes per week; for three credits, three classes per week.

RUSSIAN 120B Advanced Russian Conversation and Communication 2 - 3 Units

Aimed at fostering advanced conversation and communication skills, this course explores Russian culture through communication. Contains reading, films, vocabulary building, listening exercises, and speaking activities. The course can be taken for two or three credits; for two credits, attendance is required for two classes per week; for three credits, three classes per week.

RUSSIAN 201 Advanced Russian Proficiency Maintenance 2 - 3 Units

Advanced work in speaking, writing and comprehension in order to develop and maintain superior proficiency. Discussions and readings will focus on current cultural and political trends and other topics pertaining to Slavic studies. Special attention to the details of contemporary life in Russia and its changing colloquial speech. Conducted in Russian.

RUSSIAN 204 Russian Composition and Style 4 Units

Essay-writing, analysis of texts, oral and written reports, and translation.

Faculty

Professors

Ronelle Alexander, Professor. Slavic languages & literatures, problems of orality and ethnicity, Balkan Slavic dialectology, Balkan linguistics, language contact, historical accentology, clitic phenomena, oral tradition, Parry-Lord theory of oral composition, South Slavic epic singers.
Research Profile

David A. Frick, Professor. Slavic languages & literatures.
Research Profile

Eric Naiman, Professor. Sexuality, history, comparative literature, Slavic language, ideological poetics, history of medicine, Soviet culture, the gothic novel.
Research Profile

Irina Paperno, Professor. Russian language and literature, intellectual history.
Research Profile

Associate Professors

Lyubov (Luba) Golburt, PhD, Associate Professor. Pushkin, Russian literature and art of the 18th and 19th centuries; Derzhavin, Turgenev; history and literature; historical novel.
Research Profile

Darya Kavitskaya, Associate Professor.

Anne Nesbet, Associate Professor. Culture, film studies, Slavic languages, early Soviet culture, Sergei Eisenstein, silent film, Soviet film, GDR history, children's literature & Stalinism, the Soviet Union, American minority movements.
Research Profile

Harsha Ram, Associate Professor. Slavic languages and literatures, Russian and European lyric poetry and poetics (Derzhavin, Pushkin, Lermontov, Khlebnikov, Mandel'shtam), the poetics and politics of the eighteenth century and the Russian Golden Age, the Russian and European avant-garde.
Research Profile

Lecturers

Ellen R. Langer, Lecturer.

Milutin Janjic, Lecturer.

Anna Muza, Lecturer.

Eva Szoke, Lecturer.

Katarzyna Zacha, Lecturer.

Lisa C. Little, Lecturer.

Santoukht, I. Mikaelian, Lecturer.

Contact Information

Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures

6303 Dwinelle Hall

Phone: 510-642-2979

Fax: 510-642-6220

issa@berkeley.edu

Visit Department Website

Department Chair

Irina Paperno, PhD

ipaperno@berkeley.edu

Undergraduate Student Services Adviser

Kathi Brosnan

issag@berkeley.edu

Graduate Student Services Adviser

Sandy Jones

issag@berkeley.edu

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