Slavic Languages and Literatures

Immerse yourself in the language, literature, and culture of Slavic peoples.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Slavic Languages and Literatures in the College of Letters & Science gives students the opportunity to explore the languages, literatures, and cultures of the Russian and other Slavic peoples and their immediate neighbors in East and Central Europe as well as the Caucasus and Central Asia. The Slavic major offers an interdisciplinary study of the fascinating languages, rich historical legacies, and multifaceted cultures of this vitally important region of the world.

The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures is one of the first of its kind in the United States, and is known for its breadth of coverage and interdisciplinary approach to the field. Our majors have the opportunity to work closely with faculty in their areas of interest, and benefit from the accessibility of their teachers and the community of fellow students.

Highlights

  • Enrich your learning with study abroad.
  • Submit your original work to TROIKA, the department’s undergraduate journal.
  • Pursue research with an ISEEES grant.
The Slavic Department was an invaluable part of my college experience. I can't imagine a better setting for learning a foreign language.
2019 graduate

Undergraduate Program

Curriculum 

The Slavic department offers two major tracks. In the Russian/East European/Eurasian Languages and Cultures track, students take an interdisciplinary “area studies” approach and focus on one language: Russian, Armenian, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Czech, Hungarian, or Polish. Students design their own programs by selecting courses offered by the Slavic and other departments and programs. Two years of study (or the equivalent) in the selected language are required. In the Russian Language and Literature track, students gain advanced proficiency in the language and an in-depth knowledge of the Russian literary tradition. This track requires three years of language coursework (or the equivalent). Prior to pursuing a major track, students must consult with the Undergraduate Student Services Advisor for language proficiency referral and study list planning and approval.

Learn more at slavic.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/

Study Options

In addition to the major, the Slavic department has opportunities open to all students. Options include:

  • Minor programs in Armenian Studies, Russian Culture, Russian Language, Russian Literature, and East European/Eurasian Languages and/or Cultures.
  • Language instruction in Armenian, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Hungarian, Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian.
  • Courses taught in English including Freshmen and Sophomore seminars as well as courses that fulfill Reading & Composition and L&S breadth requirements.

Declaring the Major

Upon acceptance to UC Berkeley, you are admitted to the College of Letters & Science as an undeclared student. Students in the Russian/East European/Eurasian Languages and Cultures track may declare the major after completing two semesters of language (or equivalent) and SLAVIC 50. Students in the Russian Language and Literature track may declare after completing two semesters of Russian (or equivalent) and either SLAVIC 45 or 46. Transfers and other students with previous coursework should consult the Undergraduate Major Advisor prior to declaring.

What Can I Do With My Major?

Graduates from the Slavic Languages and Literature program find opportunities for employment, both in this country and abroad, in fields such as education, journalism, business, diplomacy, social work, health, and environmental affairs. A Slavic major also provides excellent preparation for graduate studies in a number of areas, as well as a sound background in the liberal arts for those wishing to attend professional schools (including law school).

UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Slavic Languages and Literatures. The College of Letters & Science spotlights career pathways for students in the Arts & Humanities, and offers advising for undergraduates pursuing medical or health professions programs, law school, or masters and PhD programs. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.

Employment

Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after completing graduation. Examples include: 

  • Attorney
  • Aviator, US Navy
  • Computational Linguist
  • Cybersecurity
  • Digital News Producer
  • English Teaching Assistant
  • Journalist
  • Legislative Staffer
  • Literacy Specialist
  • Software Engineer
  • Trade Analyst
  • Taxonomist
  • Writer

Graduate Study

Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:

  • Comparative Literature
  • European History, Politics, and Society
  • History
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Russian Literature
  • Political Science and Government

Spotlight

Alexandra, class of 2021

Alexandra Butler graduated with a B.A. in Slavic and Linguistics, and works as a Linguist at Meta.

How did your Slavic degree shape your career? After a translator guest-spoke in my Slavic class, I became interested in researching translation. I later completed a Linguistics MA. This has allowed me to explore the role of the Translator, social biases embedded in LLMs, and necessity of the human-in-the-loop.

What skills do you use that you learned as a Slavic student? My Slavic courses helped me identify metrics and targets to assess a major commercial chatbot.

Any advice for future Slavic students? You’re not going to keep track of the characters in War and Peace without taking notes.

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Year

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Transfer Student Timeline

First Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Second Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Third Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Fourth Semester

Plan Your Studies

Engage Outside the Classroom

Pursue Your Career Goals

Summer

Learn More

Undergraduate Advising

Have questions about Slavic Languages and Literatures or choosing a major?

The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures offers undergraduate advising for students interested in the Slavic program. The Undergraduate Student Services Advisor can answer questions about major tracks, courses and course equivalents, creating a plan of study, declaring the major, and more. The Undergraduate Student Services Advisor is available for advising in-person in 6303A Dwinelle Hall as well as virtual advising. Email issaug@berkeley.edu for additional information.

The College of Letters & Science helps students with non-major-specific academic topics, including major exploration, general program planning, finding campus resources, and pre-professional graduate programs. L&S College Advisors are available for in-person and virtual meetings. Visit lsadvising.berkeley.edu or email asklns@berkeley.edu.

Related Programs

Looking for programs similar to Slavic Languages and Literatures? UC Berkeley also offers the following major, minor, and certificate programs:

Topics

Major Maps topic page, College of Letters & Science topic page

JUMP TO:

Link to download the Slavic Languages and Literatures major map print version

Download the PDF Print Version