Slavic Languages and Cultures

Literally and figuratively, Russia has, since 1989, become a much more accessible country. The programme in Slavic Languages and Cultures includes a study period in Russia, undertaken as a group in the last half of the second year.

Russian literature offers many insights into the lifes of a diverse set of characters of the past, from the St. Petersburg dandy to the country doctor, from the landlord to the small farmer, from the Moscow civil servant to the policeman; but this large body of literature also provides a multitude of clues to understanding present-day Russia.

The Bachelor’s Programme

The main focus of the programme is language proficiency. The grammar and script are difficult to master, but by the end of the first year, students can expect to have acquired a reasonable reading ability. The first-year programme also includes introductory courses on the linguistics, literature, history and sociology of Russia. Following the first year, the programme concentrates in further depth on language and literature. In the third year, students are expected to specialize in one of these two fields. The Master's programme also offers students the opportunity to study additional languages from surrounding countries, like Latvia, Lithuania and Armenia.

See for more information the department website (in Dutch) or the timetables (partly in English)

Practical Studies

Following the basic programme, the Slavic Languages and Cultures programme can be combined with one of the 'practical studies' or PraktijkStudies (International Management & Culture, European Union Studies, Journalism and the New Media, Book and Publishing or the Educational minor) or with other options and, possibly, an internship.