Slavic Studies Programs

The Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies offers a full complement of courses in Russian and in Slavic Studies, leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Major and General Programs in Slavic Studies.

All students planning a program in the Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies should consult the departmental Adviser concerning their selection of courses 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 wise selection of courses is therefore important, particularly to those students who may wish to enter graduate school, teaching, library work or government service.

Language of Instruction

Unless indicated in the course listing, SLST courses are offered in English.

Course Challenge

The Department of Germanic and Slavic Studies does not permit students to gain credit by course challenge. Students with prior knowledge of Russian may, however, apply to the Chair of the department for a waiver of lower-level program requirements.

Native Speakers

Native speakers of Russian may not obtain credit for first- or second-year language courses. A native speaker is defined in this context as a person who has spoken Russian since childhood and/or has received sufficient instruction in the language to be literate in it. The department will assign students with previous knowledge to the appropriate level.

Transfer Credit

Students are encouraged to take courses in Russian at universities in the former Soviet Union; the department recognizes a broad variety of courses in Russian language, literature and cultural studies for transfer credit. The faculty regulation for the Major Program is that at least 12 of the 15 units numbered 300 or 400 are required to be taken at UVic. This regulation may be modified in the following circumstances:

• Where a student takes at least 12 units abroad, 6 units of courses taken at universities of the former Soviet Union may count towards the Major Program; 9 of the 15 units must be UVic.
• Where a student takes at least 7.5 units abroad, 4.5 units taken at universities of the former Soviet Union may count towards the Major Program; 10.5 of the 15 units must be UVic.

A student in a General or Minor Program may count no more than 3 units of non-UVic courses towards the program.

Students must obtain a Letter of Permission before undertaking Slavic studies at universities of the former Soviet Union. To ensure that correct transfer credit is granted for courses taken elsewhere, students MUST consult with the Advising Centre for the Faculties of Humanities, Science and Social Sciences BEFORE applying for a Letter of Permission.

Programs in Slavic Studies

Major

To be admitted to a Major Program, a student must have at least a C+ average in a minimum of 7.5 units of introductory courses. In the third and fourth years, the Major program consists of a minimum of 15 units at the 300 and 400 levels and must include at least one of SLST 301 or 303. Students interested in pursuing a major in Slavic Studies are advised to consult the department very early during their undergraduate studies.

General and Minor Programs

Students wishing to take a General or Minor in Slavic Studies must take 7.5 units of introductory courses and 9 units at the 300 or 400 level, including at least one of SLST 301 or 303.

Language Courses

Courses open to all students: No knowledge of Russian required