What exactly is Slavic Studies, and what do you do on the course?

Slavic Studies is what is known as a philological subject, which means – broadly speaking – that we deal with linguistic and literary questions relating to Slavic languages and cultures. Here in Oldenburg, this primarily covers the languages and cultures of Belarus, Poland, Russia and Ukraine. The programme also covers aspects of regional studies and , of course, practical language skills . As we also train students to become school teachers (specialising in Russian), the course includes learning how best to teach a language. Further information on the Slavic Studies degree programme (BA)

What do linguistics and literary studies focus on?

Linguistics is about understanding how (Slavic) languages arestructured, how they develop and how people use them to communicate with one another. In doing so, linguistics examines various aspects such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and meaning. It also investigates how language functions within the interplay of different cultures and societies, and what role it plays in our everyday lives . Literary studies examine how literary texts are structured and how they are treated by different authors and across different eras . In doing so, literary studies also analyses the influence of culture, society and history on literature, and vice versa. It also explores how and why we, as readers, perceive a text as literature in the first place – in other words, what makes a text ‘literature’ at all. Further information on studying Slavic Studies (BA)

I’d like to study Slavic Studies. What do I need to do?

You can study Slavic Studies at the University of Oldenburg as part of a dual-subject Bachelor’s degree programme. This means that, in addition to Slavic Studies, you must choose another subject for your degree. If you are aiming to study with a view to becoming a teacher, please note that not all subjects can be combined with Slavic Studies (see below). Applications are made via the Admissions office’s online portal. Further information is available on the InfoPortal Studium

I have no prior knowledge of Slavic languages – is that a problem?

No, you can start the programme without any prior knowledge of a Slavic language. The language of instruction in Slavic Studies courses is German. You will be gradually introduced to working with Slavic-language texts and materials. Further information on studying without prior language knowledge

I have prior knowledge of a Slavic language – what do I need to bear in mind?

If you have prior knowledge of Polish or Russian, you must take a placement test before the start of the courses to determine the correct entry level. The recommendation from the placement test is binding, i.e. you may not choose the course level yourself. For Polish, please contact Ms ; for Russian, please contact Ms . Further information on the placement test

I am a native speaker and would like to study Slavic Studies/Russian with the aim of becoming a teacher – do I have to attend Russian courses?

Yes – particularly if you wish to become a teacher, you must also take our Russian courses! Firstly, all new students with prior knowledge must register with Ms before the start of the courses and take a placement test – including those with prior knowledge as native speakers. Anyone studying Slavic Studies with the aim of becoming a teacher (Russian) will be placed at a maximum (!) of Russian Level 5 (though possibly lower) and must therefore take Russian courses in order to reach the target level C1 (which corresponds to Russian Level 10 in our course structure) by the end of the entire degree programme (including the subsequent M.Ed.). Reason: Teaching in schools requires not only intuitive language skills but also metalinguistic competences, specialist vocabulary, etc., which we also cover in our practical language courses. Further information on the placement test

What level of German language skills do I need for enrolment?

To be admitted to specialised studies (Bachelor’s or Master’s), you require German language skills at DSH 2 or TestDaF 4x4 level. However, you can also apply to the University of Oldenburg without these qualifications; in that case, you will need to take preparatory German courses at the university, which culminate in the DSH examination (DSH 2). To be admitted to the German language courses, however, you must demonstrate German language proficiency at A2 level (or provide a certificate of attendance for a German course at B1 level) when applying to study at the University of Oldenburg. Further information for international applicants

How many languages can I study, or do I have to study? Which ones are available? How many courses do I have to take?

Which and how many languages you study as part of your Slavic Studies degree depends on several factors. For a 60-KP degree in Slavic Studies, you first choose a profile language (Belarusian, Polish, Russian or Ukrainian), in which you will take 4 courses or modules. If you decide to extend your Slavonic Studies programme to a 90-KP course , you must add at least one further language (Polish, Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian (and, where applicable, Croatian/Bosnian/Serbian)) as a second and/or third language. Depending on your prior knowledge of your chosen specialisation language, or the entry level to which you are placed, you will also need to take further courses to reach the target level for the BA degree programme or the entry level for a subsequent MA or MEd degree programme. Where applicable, you can take these courses through the area of specialisation. It is always worthwhile for everyone to take more language courses than the minimum required by the curriculum! Further information on the structure of the BA in Slavic Studies

Which combinations of subjects are possible if your study aim is teacher training?

If you wish to study Slavic Studies/Russian with the aim of becoming a teacher, your other subject must be one of the following : English Studies, French and Romance Studies / French*, German Studies, Hispanic Studies / Spanish*, Art and Media, Mathematics, Music or Physics. Further information can be found on the Study InfoPortal – Teacher Training

Want to study with prior knowledge of a language? Polish / Russian placement testFurther information on choosing a language

We have compiled an initial overview of study options for a cooperative study programme with the University of Bremen here.

Make sure you are always well informed and up to date about the Institute of Slavic Studies, the course programme, cancellations of office hours, special events, changes to timetables, Slavic Studies celebrations, etc., and be sure to subscribe to the Institute’s mailing list (in addition to stud.IP)!

You can find information on how to subscribe to the mailing list here.