Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies
The Department of Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies administers undergraduate majors in German, Linguistics, Russian, and Slavic Studies, as well as minors in Arabic Studies, Chinese, German, Linguistics, Russian, and East European Studies. Students may also participate in an interdisciplinary minor in interdisciplinary programs in Asian Studies, German Studies, Jewish Studies, International Studies, and Islamic Civilization and Societies. A German business concentration within the German major and minors is also available. Departmental honors require successful completion of honors requirements. For information, contact the Department.
The Department maintains listings of related courses from other departments that satisfy various program requirements. Substitutions and exemptions from specific program requirements, as well as the application of courses from other institutions, require express permission from the Chairperson or the Undergraduate Program Director.
Students fulfilling the undergraduate Core requirements in Literature, Arts, and Cultural Diversity should consider Core offerings taught by members of the Department.
References to the number of credits required correlate with the number of full one-semester courses.
Majors
The Department of Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies offers majors in German, Linguistics, Russian, and Slavic Studies.
Major in German (30 Credits)
The major in German is designed to help students achieve linguistic, literary, and cultural competence and to foster and develop transferable skills of critical thinking, textual analysis, effective writing and communication, and international cultural discernment. Training in German Studies includes advanced language courses combined with upper-level seminars on topical areas of literature, film, history, music, and culture. Majors complete the program with strong German-language proficiency, expertise in the analysis of texts and cultural artifacts in their historical and cultural context, the ability to produce texts of various genres in German, and the intellectual background for graduate study in German and many other fields, including business, law, political science, international studies, and medicine. German majors are eligible to apply for popular internships, which place Boston College students with companies in Germany or Austria every summer.
The German major requires ten 3-credit courses (30 credits):
- GERM2001–2002 German Composition and Conversation I and II (6 credits)
- An upper-level topics course numbered between GERM2010 and 2020 (3 credits)
- GERM3000 History of German Literature (3 credits)
- Six additional courses in German Studies, at or above the 1051 level, two of which may be taught in English (18 credits)
Students are encouraged to consult with the German Studies Director of Undergraduate Studies concerning opportunities for study abroad at a German, Austrian, or Swiss university, in which case up to 12 credits (four 3-credit courses) may be applied to the major. Only one course for the major program may be “double counted” toward another major or minor. To declare your major in German Studies, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Daniel Bowles, Lyons 201F, bowlesd@bc.edu, or the department administrator.
Major in Linguistics (31 Credits)
The focus of the Linguistics program does not solely lie in the acquisition of language skills, but rather, in learning to analyze linguistic phenomena with a view toward making significant generalizations about the nature of language.
Students majoring in Linguistics build their programs around a specific area of emphasis. In consultation with the faculty, students design a program of study tailored to the individual's interests and goals. Typical areas of emphasis include philology (the historical and comparative study of ancient languages), psycholinguistics, and language acquisition.
A typical program for this major requires the following:
- LING3101 General Linguistics (3 credits)
- LING3102 Syntax and Semantics (3 credits)
- LING3103 Language and Language Types (3 credits) or LING3104 Formalism and Functionalism in Linguistics (3 credits)
- 6 credits in Philology or in the Structure of Language
- 15 additional credits drawn from departmental offerings, of which two must be upper-division electives
- LING4391 AB Comprehensive: Linguistics (1 credit)
Linguistics majors should additionally develop proficiency in at least one foreign language and competence in at least one other language at levels appropriate to their career plans (e.g., French, German, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Russian, Bulgarian).
Also desirable: exposure to a non-Indo-European language (e.g., Chinese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Hebrew, Persian (Farsi))—all of which are taught within the Department of Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies.
Major in Russian (30 Credits)
The major in Russian provides rigorous training in Russian language, literature, and culture. The major concentrates on acquiring advanced proficiency in Russian language and on comprehending important aspects of the literature, culture, and civilization of Russia and the former USSR.
The requirements for the major in Russian are as follows:
- 9 credits (normally, three one-semester courses) in Russian grammar, composition, and stylistics beyond the intermediate level
- 9 credits (normally, three one-semester courses) in Russian literature and culture, including 2 survey courses for classical and modern Russian literature (SLAV2162 and SLAV2173)
- 3 credits in Introduction to Slavic Peoples and Cultures (formerly Slavic Civilizations)
- 6 credits (normally, two one-semester courses) in Russian literature, culture, advanced grammar and stylistics, history or politics, of which at least 3 credits must be in Russian literature and culture (consult the Department about the list of available courses)
- 3 credits (normally, a one-semester course) in Russian and Slavic linguistics (The Structure of Russian, Old Church Slavonic, or Old Russian)
Major in Slavic Studies (30 Credits)
The major in Slavic Studies provides broadly based training about Russia and the nations of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. The normal program for this major requires the following:
- 6 credits (normally, two one-semester courses) in a Slavic language at or above the intermediate level
- 3 credits in Introduction to Slavic Peoples and Cultures (formerly Slavic Civilizations)
- 6 credits (normally, two one-semester courses) in a Slavic literature, which must include at least one survey in Russian literature, either Classics of Russian Literature or Twentieth-Century Russian Literature
- 6 credits (normally, two one-semester courses) in Slavic history, politics, or linguistics (consult the Department about the list of available courses)
- 9 credits (normally, three one-semester courses) in Russian and Slavic Studies (consult the Department about the list of available courses)
Minors
The Department offers departmental minors in Arabic Studies, Chinese, German, Linguistics, and Russian, as well as interdisciplinary minors in Asian Studies, East European Studies, German Studies, and Jewish Studies.
Minor in Arabic Studies (Departmental)
The departmental minor in Arabic Studies covers areas of Modern Standard Arabic and Modern Hebrew languages, Modern Middle Eastern literature and cultural history, and Near Eastern Civilizations. The minor requires a minimum of 18 credits in approved courses (normally, six one-semester courses):
- 6 credits (normally, two one-semester courses) in Modern Standard Arabic above the first semester of intermediate intensive level
- 12 credits (normally, four one-semester courses) from departmental offerings in Middle Eastern languages, cultures, literatures, and civilizations (consult the Department about the list of available courses)
Minor in Chinese (Departmental)
The departmental minor in Chinese focuses on acquiring modern language proficiency and knowledge of aspects of Chinese culture, literature, and civilization. The minor requires a minimum of 18 credits of approved course work (normally, six one-semester courses):
- At least 6 credits (normally two one-semester courses) in modern Mandarin Chinese beyond the first semester of intermediate intensive level
- At least 6 credits (normally, four one-semester courses) in Chinese culture and literature, which may include courses taught in translation, language courses in Classical Chinese and Advanced Chinese, and Introduction to Far Eastern Civilizations (consult the Department about the list of available courses)
Visit the Minor in Chinese page for more information.
Minor in German (Departmental)
The minor in German is for students interested in learning the German language and creating ties with the German-speaking world while combining their interest in German with other academic and professional goals. The foremost goal of the program is to foster among students an international focus and the accompanying skills, whatever their major may be. Minors are strongly encouraged to study or work abroad. German minors are eligible to apply for popular internships, which place Boston College students with companies in Germany or Austria every summer.
The German minor requires six 3-credit courses (18 credits):
- GERM2001–2002 German Conversation and Composition I and II (6 credits)
- An upper-level topics course numbered between GERM2010 and 2020 (3 credits)
- Three additional courses in German Studies, at or above the 1051 level, one of which may be taught in English (9 credits)
Students are encouraged to consult with the German Studies Director of Undergraduate Studies concerning opportunities for study abroad at a German, Austrian, or Swiss university, in which case up to 6 credits (two 3-credit courses) may be applied to the minor. Only one course for the minor program may be “double counted” toward another major or minor. To declare your minor in German Studies, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Daniel Bowles, Lyons Hall 201F, bowlesd@bc.edu, or the department administrator.
Minor in Linguistics (Departmental)
This departmental minor requires a minimum of six approved one-semester courses (18 credits)
- LING3101 General Linguistics (3 credits)
- LING3102 Syntax and Semantics (3 credits)
- 6 credits in Philology or in the Structure of Language
- 6 additional credits drawn from departmental Linguistics offerings
Minor in Russian (Departmental)
The departmental minor in Russian requires a minimum of 18 credits (normally, 6 approved courses):
- 6 credits (normally, two one-semester courses) in Russian at or above the intermediate level
- 6 credits (two one-semester courses) in Russian literature: one pre-twentieth century and one post-nineteenth century (normally two survey courses for classical and modern Russian literature, SLAV2162 and SLAV2173)
- 6 additional credits (normally, two one-semester courses) in Russian literature, culture, advanced grammar and stylistics, history, or politics (consult the Department about the list of available courses)
Minor in Asian Studies (Interdisciplinary)
The Asian Studies program offers students a rich curriculum in the arts and literatures, history, philosophy, religion, and contemporary affairs of East Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia. It rests on three pillars:
- an emphasis on regional and transnational relations
- the integration of different disciplinary approaches
- language study
For more information concerning the Asian Studies minor:
- Visit the Interdisciplinary Programs and Minors (MCAS) page
- Contact the Director of the interdisciplinary minor in Asian Studies, Sing-chen Lydia Chiang, chiangs@bc.edu, 617-552-0128
Minor in East European Studies (Interdisciplinary)
The East European Studies interdisciplinary minor requires a minimum of 18 credits in approved course work (normally, six one-semester courses), distributed as follows:
- 3 credits in either Russian Civilization (SLAV2165) or Slavic Civilizations (SLAV2169)
- 3 additional credits in Russian or East European history, culture, or politics
- 6 credits in Russian or in another Slavic or East European language at or above the intermediate level
- 6 credits in approved elective course work from related areas such as: art history, economics, sociology, film studies, literature, linguistics or language, philosophy, or theology.
For more information on the minor in East European Studies, contact Professor Maxim D. Shrayer, Director, East European Studies minor, shrayerm@bc.edu.
Minor in German Studies (Interdisciplinary)
The interdisciplinary minor in German Studies aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of German-speaking civilization and its place in today's world. Students choose the interdisciplinary minor for its flexibility in taking courses tailored to their interests across departments and may complete the entire minor with courses taught in English. German Studies minors are eligible to apply for popular internships, which place Boston College students with companies in Germany or Austria every summer.
The German Studies minor requires six 3-credit courses (18 credits):
- GERM2242/HIST2270 Germany Divided and Reunited (3 credits)
- Two additional courses from the German Studies course offerings at or above the 1051 level (6 credits)
- Three courses from at least two other departments in the Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences (9 credits)
Students should consult the director of the interdisciplinary minor for a list of courses from across the campus suited to the interdisciplinary minor in German Studies. Students are also encouraged to consult with the director concerning opportunities for study abroad at a German, Austrian, or Swiss university, in which case up to 6 credits may be applied to the minor. Only one course for the minor program may be “double counted” toward another major or minor.
To declare your German Studies minor and plan your course of study, contact the director of the interdisciplinary minor, Professor Nick Block, Lyons 201A, blockni@bc.edu.
Minor in Jewish Studies (Interdisciplinary)
The Boston College Jewish Studies program seeks to examine the multiple dimensions and complexities of Jewish culture throughout its broad chronological and geographical range. The interdisciplinary minor in Jewish Studies consists of a total of six 3-credit courses (18 credits), including one foundation course, four electives, and a concluding seminar/Capstone course.
For information concerning the interdisciplinary undergraduate minor in Jewish Studies, visit the Minor in Jewish Studies program web page.
German Studies Special Opportunities
Honors Program in German
Students with a minimum 3.5 GPA in German Studies courses are encouraged to apply for the Honors program in German. Honors students take an additional 6 credits in German Studies (either one additional 3-credit upper-level course and one semester of GERM6699, or two semesters of GERM6699). As part of GERM6699, students complete a bachelor’s thesis on a topic chosen in consultation with their proposed thesis advisor. To apply for the Honors program, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Professor Daniel Bowles, Lyons 201F, bowlesd@bc.edu.
Business Concentration in German Studies
The business concentration allows German majors or minors to combine a dual interest in business and German with a program of study that prepares them for an international career. The business concentration has been developed in conjunction with the Boston College Carroll School of Management to take advantage of the thriving German economy that makes Central and Eastern Europe a strong market for American products and has enabled German companies to open branches in the United States.
The German business concentration requires two 3-credit courses (6 credits), counting simultaneously toward the German major or minors:
- GERM2004 German for Professional Purposes (3 credits)
- GERM2005 Germany in Europe Today (3 credits)
Students majoring or minoring in German Studies can apply in the fall semester for popular internships, which place Boston College students with companies in Germany or Austria every summer. Inquire about the internship, for which you may receive one course credit (GERM5501), by contacting Ursula Mangoubi in Lyons 201G, mangoubi@bc.edu.
Students are encouraged to spend a year or a semester at the Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien (Vienna University of Economics and Business), the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, or the Ingolstadt School of Management affiliated with our partner university, the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt.
Study Abroad
The Department of Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies requires, in general, at least two years of language study, in addition to coursework (tailored to the individual student's program of study) that would provide cultural orientation. Since the Department offers a wide variety of majors and minors, courses taken abroad may be conferred major or minor credit (up to 12 credits to majors and 6 credits to minors) on a case-by-case basis. Please consult with the relevant departmental undergraduate studies coordinator.
Individual programs of study are arranged according to the types of instruction available and the student's goals and background.
Students interested in German Studies can study in a German-speaking country for a year, a semester, or a summer, with recommended programs in Eichstätt, Tübingen, Berlin, Heidelberg, Frankfurt, and Vienna. Students majoring in Linguistics may profit from any number of study-abroad opportunities, depending on the specific language(s) they elect to focus on. Students of Near Eastern and East Asian languages have participated to great advantage in a variety of different study abroad opportunities in Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Japan, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China, Korea, and other nations of Asia.
Junior year is the most popular time to study abroad, but seniors have done so successfully as well. All Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies majors must obtain department course approval before going abroad. Students should consult with the relevant faculty members, depending on their language and area of expertise.
Work Abroad in Germany
Only German majors and minors are eligible to apply for popular internships, which place Boston College students with companies in Germany every summer. Students are paid through their job and/or through Boston College internship grants and other fellowships.
The Fulbright Program (German Studies students only)
Students apply for the elite Fulbright program starting the spring before their senior year. For Fulbright information, contact Professor Michael Resler, Lyons Hall 201C, resler@bc.edu.
Office of International Programs
Students taking classes in the Department of Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies participate in Boston College's programs and international partnerships in China, Germany, Israel, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Morocco, Nepal, Philippines, Poland, Russia, and other countries.
For complete information on any of these programs and also on unofficial study abroad, visit bc.edu/international.
Teachers of English to Foreign Students
The Department of Eastern, Slavic, and German Studies offers a number of linguistics courses for training teachers of English to foreign students. The Department of English offers elective and Core-level undergraduate courses of English language and literature for foreign students enrolled at Boston College.