What is Slavic Studies and what do you do on the programme?

Slavic Studies is a so-called philological subject, i.e. roughly speaking, we deal with linguistic and literary issues relating to Slavic languages and cultures. Here in Oldenburg, these are primarily the languages and cultures of Belarus, Poland, Russia and Ukraine. It also includes aspects of regional studies and, of course, language practice . As we also train students to become school teachers (for Russian as a school subject), you also learn how best to teach a language during your studies. Further information on studying Slavic Studies (B.A.)

What do linguistics and literary studies deal with?

Linguistics is about understanding how (Slavic) languages arestructured, how they develop and how people use them to communicate with each other. Linguistics deals with various aspects such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and meaning. It also investigates how language functions in the interaction between different cultures and societies and what role it plays in our everyday lives . Literary studies analyses how literary texts are structured and how they are treated by different authors and in different eras . Literary studies also analyses the influence of culture, society and history on literature and vice versa. It also asks how and why we as readers perceive a text as literature in the first place, i.e. what makes a text 'literature' in the first place. Further information on studying Slavic Studies (B.A.)

I would like to study Slavic Studies. What do I have to do?

You can study the subject of Slavic Studies at the University of Oldenburg as part of a dual-subject Bachelor's programme. This means that you choose another subject for your degree programme in addition to Slavic Studies. If you would like to study to become a teacher, please note that not all subjects can be combined with Slavic Studies (see below). The application is made via an online portal of the Admissions office. Further information at the InfoPortal Studies

I have no previous knowledge of Slavic languages - is that a problem?

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

I have previous knowledge of a Slavic language - what do I need to bear in mind?

If you have previous knowledge of Polish or Russian, you will take a placement test before the start of the programme 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 Mrs , for Russian please contact Mrs . Further information on the placement test

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

Yes - especially if you want to become a teacher, you must also attend our Russian courses! First of all, all new students with previous knowledge must register with Ms before the start of the courses and take a placement test - even those with previous knowledge of their native language. If you are studying Slavic Studies with the aim of becoming a teacher (Russian) , you will be placed at a maximum (!) of Russian 5 (but possibly lower), so you must take Russian courses in order to reach the target level C1 (in our case at course level Russian 10) at the end of the entire degree programme (including the M.Ed.). This is because teaching in schools requires not only intuitive language skills, but also meta-linguistic skills, specialised vocabulary, etc., which we also teach in our practical language courses. Further information on the placement test

What German language skills do I need for enrolment?

In order to be admitted to a specialised studies programme (Bachelor's or Master's), you need German language skills at DSH 2 or TestDaf 4x4 level. However, you can also apply to the University of Oldenburg without this knowledge, but you must then take preparatory German courses at the university, which conclude with the DSH exam(DSH 2). For admission to the German courses, however, you need German language skills at level A2 (or a certificate of participation in a German course at level B1) when applying to study at the University of Oldenburg. Further information for international applicants

How many languages can / must I study? Which ones are there? How many courses do I have to study?

Which and how many languages you study as part of your Slavic Studies programme depends on several factors. As a rule, you first choose a first language (Polish or Russian) for a 60 CP Slavic Studies degree programme, in which you take 3 courses or modules. If you decide to extend your Slavic Studies degree programme to a 90-CP degree programme, at least one other language (Polish, Russian, Belarusian, Ukrainian (possibly also Croatian/Bosnian/Serbian)) will be added as a second and/or third language in addition to your chosen first language. Depending on your previous knowledge of your chosen first language or the entry level at which you are placed, you may also need to take additional courses in order to reach the target level of the BA degree programme or the entry level of a subsequent MA or MEd degree programme. You may be able to take these courses via the area of specialisation. In any case, it is always worthwhile for everyone to take more language courses than the minimum required by the curriculum! Further information on the BA Slavic Studies programme structure

What combinations of subjects are possible if I want to study to become a teacher?

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

Studying without prior language skills? To the preparatory course Russian / Polish

Studying with previous language knowledge? Polish / Russian placement testFurther information on language choice

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

Here we have summarised further information on studying Slavic Studies, especially for first-year students.

• To the notepad

If you always want to be well informed and up-to-date about the Institute, the courses on offer, lecture cancellations, special events, changes of dates, Slavic Studies festivals, etc., please register with the subject listserver (in addition to stud.IP). Information on how to register on the listserver can be found here.

If you have any questions about study options or study planning, please contact the Student Advisory Service:

Sünna Looschen

A 8 1-114

0441-798-4616