Please note that this is a listing of all undergraduate courses potentially available from the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures. To see a list of currently offered courses, please refer to the Official Undergraduate Timetable or the Course Registration News webpage.

Slavic Studies Courses:

General Courses
Croatian and Serbian
Czech and Slovak
Macedonian
Polish
Russian
Slavic Linguistics
Ukrainian

Finno-Ugric Studies Courses:

Estonian
Finnish

General Courses

HUM199Y1 - First Year Seminar

Undergraduate seminar that focuses on specific ideas, questions, phenomena or controversies, taught by a regular Faculty member deeply engaged in the discipline. Open only to newly admitted first year students. It may serve as a distribution requirement course; see page 44 of the university calendar.

SLA202H1 - Jewish Communities in Slavic Countries
(formerly SLA102H)

Literature about the Jewish community in Slavic countries. How do these Jewish minorities perceive and identify themselves? How are they perceived by others?

SLA251H1 - Origins of Slavic Civilization

Surveys the history, archaeology, anthropology, religions, literature, architecture, and art of the Slavs from their pre-historic origin to the Baroque era. Examines the rise of the medieval Slavic nations, states, churches, and cultures; Scythian, Greco-Roman, Byzantine, Western European, and Oriental influences. Lectures are richly illustrated with slides.

SLA253H1 - East Slavic Civilizations to the 18th Century

A survey of East Slavic civilizations through art, architecture, literature and religion. Includes the Scythians, whose battle skills and gold fascinated the ancient world; Kyivan Rus' and its princes, monks and martyrs; the rise of the Cossacks; and Peter the Great, founder of the Russian Empire and St. Petersburg. Lectures, with emphasis on visual presentation. Readings in English.

SLA254H1 - Stone Books to Sky Books: Book as institution, commerce and art in the Slavic tradition

Evolution of the book and written/printed media in the Slavic world: legends (and forgeries) of ancient letters, mediaeval illuminated manuscripts, baroque visual poetry, pocket books for enlightened ladies and peasant comic strips, futurist painting and writing on faces, hand-written and painted books of the modernist artists and poets. Readings in English.

SLA299Y1 - Research Opportunity Program

Credit course for supervised participation in faculty research project. See the university calendar for details.

SLA302H1 - The Imaginary Jew

The course examines the genesis and evolution of the image of the Jew, central to all European cultures, from the theology and psychology of Christian anti-Judaism to their reflection in folklore, visual, plastic, and verbal arts, and to the survival of the imaginary Jew in secular forms. Special attention is given to the Jews of Slavic and East European imagination. All readings are in English.

SLA380H1 - Language, Politics and Identity

Examines the multi-faceted nature of languages by comparing issues of language contact and conflict in the Former Soviet Union and in Central and Southeastern Europe. Explores issues such as language standards, language rights, language conflict, and linguistic identity.
Recommended preparation: Knowledge of at least one Slavic language is recommended.

SLA395Y1 - Readings in Slavic Literature

This course examines a special topic in Slavic Literature. The topic varies from year to year. Consult the department for more details.

SLA396H1 - Readings in Slavic Studies

This course examines a special topic in Slavic Studies. The topic varies from year to year. Consult the department for more details.

SLA398H0/399Y0 - Independent Experiential Study Project

An instructor-supervised group project in an off-campus setting. See the university calendar for details.

SLA424H1 - Theatre and Cinema in Extremis

A study of the effects on aesthetic form of the totalitarian experience in Russia, Poland and Czechoslovakia. The Russian, Polish, and Czech avant-garde, poised between the bankruptcy of traditional aesthetics and the search for new forms in the post-revolutionary/ post-Holocaust world. Co-taught course. Readings in English. (Offered every three years)
Recommended preparation: Prior completion of a course in drama or cinema

SLA453H1 - Women in East European Fiction and Autobiography

In East European literary texts of the post 1990 era, this course examines connections and disconnections between gender and social change, and women`s resistant and compliant discourses on war, nationalism, reproduction, the fictional representation of rape as a war crime, and women writers` responses to postcommunist eroticism and feminisms. (All texts in English)

SLA476H1 - Revolution in the Theatre: Stanislavski, Meyerhold, Grotowski, and Kantor

Theoretical thought and theatre practice of these directors are placed within a context of theatre reforms in the 20th century, from naturalism and symbolism, through retheatricalization of theatre, to a ritualistic and mythic holy theatre. Readings in English.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA477H1 - Performance: Theory and Practice

This course begins with selected theoretical approaches to performance. It then focuses on the examples of major European artists and performances of the 20th and 21st centuries and their impact on our understanding of contemporary staging practices. Eventually, these theories and practices are used for different forms of analysis of the selected performances, including live productions in Toronto theatres.

SLA498Y1 - Independent Studies

A scholarly project on an approved literary or linguistics topic supervised by one of the Department’s instructors.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department

SLA499H1 - Independent Studies

A scholarly project on an approved literary or linguistics topic supervised by one of the Departments instructors.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department

Croatian and Serbian

SLA207Y1 Elementary Serbian

Basic phonology, orthography, morphology and syntax. Development of practical language skills--reading, writing, listening, speaking--with simple texts, compositions, life situation dialogues, and dictations. (Offered in alternate years)

SLA217Y1 - Serbian Cultural History (formerly SLA217H)

A survey of Serbian culture in literature, science, philosophy, film and the fine arts during two millennia of European history. The legacy of the Byzantine and Roman Empires; the medieval Serbian kingdom; Serbs in the Baroque Enlightenment; the Serbian Insurrections and national rebirth; Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism. Readings in English with accompanying original texts in Serbian.
Exclusion: SLA217H

SLA227Y1 - Croatian Cultural History (formerly SLA227H)

A survey of Croatian culture in literature, science, philosophy, film and the fine arts during two millennia of European history. The Greek and Latin heritage; the medieval Croatian state; Humanism and Reformation among the Croats; the Dalmatian Renaissance and Baroque; the Illyrian Movement and Croatian National Rebirth; Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism. Readings in English with accompanying original texts in Croatian.
Exclusion: SLA227H

SLA237Y1 - Elementary Croatian

Basic phonology, orthography, morphology and syntax. Development of practical language skills--reading, writing, listening, speaking--with simple texts, compositions, life situation dialogues, and dictations. (Offered in alternate years)

SLA307Y1 - Advanced Serbian

Application of orthographic rules to word formation and the syntax of compound sentences. Perfection of language usage through exercises in translation, composition, and oral expression. Extensive readings from contemporary Serbian authors. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: SLA207Y or equivalent knowledge of the language

SLA316Y1 - Advanced Croatian

Application of orthographic rules to word formation and the syntax of compound sentences. Perfection of language usage through exercizes in translation, composition, and oral expression. Extensive readings from contemporary Croatian authors. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: SLA237Y or equivalent knowledge of the language

SLA327H1 - The Balkan Short Story

Studies of short works written since 1950. Focus on current trends -- the Second Moderna, Jeans Prose, Post-Modernism, Hyperfiction -- and innovative fiction by Andric, Bulatovic, Desnica, Kis, Marinkovic, Novak, Pavic, Selimovic, and others. Readings in English with accompanying texts in the original.

SLA337H1 - Political Drama from Dubrovnik to the Danube

The development of theatre traditions as reflected in dramatic masterworks from the Renaissance to the present. Plays by Drzic, Gundulic, Sterija Popovic, Vojnovic, Nusic, Krleza, Snajder, Simovic, and others. Readings in English with accompanying texts in the original.

SLA347H1 - South Slavic Folklore

Ethnographic, generic and stylistic study of the customs, oral lore and native traditions among pagan, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Moslem Slavs. Study of the role of folklore in the ethnogenesis of national culture. Proverbs, myths, legends, folktales, lyric songs and heroic epics. Readings in English with accompanying genre texts in the original.

SLA407H1 - Modern Croatian Bards

Verse since 1900 by the major poets of the nation. Focus on poetics, versification and literary history during the Croatian Moderna, Expressionism and other Avant-Garde movements in Croatia up to the present. Works by Matos, Nazor, Krleza, Parun, Mihalic and others. Readings in Croatian and English.

SLA417H1 - Modern Serbian Bards (formerly SLA407H)

Verse since 1900 by the major poets of the nation. Focus on poetics, versification and literary history of the Serbian Moderna, Surrealism, and other Avant-Garde movements in Serbia up to the present. Works by Santic, Ducic, Popa, Pavlovic, Balasevic and others. Readings in Serbian and English.

SLA427H1 - Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian On Film

Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian studied through film. Cultural and linguistic comprehension of scenario texts and inter-active screenings of classic films from the 1950s to the present. Oral and written exercises in speech patterns, appearance, behaviour and cultural attitudes. Films subtitled in original language. Elementary language knowledge is required. Recommended preparation: SLA307Y or SLA326Y

Czech and Slovak

Click here to see departmental policy on Czech language course placement

SLA105Y1 - Elementary Czech (formerly SLA205Y)

Grammar, composition, and conversation. Readings from Czech literature. Open only to students with little or no knowledge of the language.

SLA204Y1 Intermediate Czech

Using selected texts of diverse styles, this class surveys Czech grammar and introduces various aspects of syntax, composition and translation. Special attention will be paid to oral practice.

SLA215H1 - Czech and Slovak Cultures (formerly SLA215Y)

Some of the most important features of Czech and Slovak cultural history are introduced in a survey of the national myths, traditions and cultural trends. (Offered every three years)
Exclusion: SLA215Y

SLA225H1 - The Czech and Slovak Cinema

From the “New Wave” of the 60s to the present. The films of major directors — Forman, Menzel, Chytilová — and of talented newcomers. Screening of films censored and prohibited over the last 25 years. English subtitles. (Offered every three years)

SLA305Y1 - Advanced Czech

Morphology, syntax, composition and translation, oral practice. Contemporary Czech texts representing diverse styles.
Prerequisite: SLA205Y

SLA404H1 From The National Revival to Modernism: Czech Literature of the 19th Century

Beginning with the forged manuscripts of the early 19th century this course examines Czech Romanticism, Realism and Symbolism within the context of European culture. Readings include works by Macha, Nimcova, Neruda, Zeyer, Havlieek Borovsky. Readings in Czech and Slovak. (Offered every three years). Readings in Czech and Slovak.
Prerequisite: SLA305Y1 or permission of the instructor
Exclusion: SLA405Y1

SLA405Y1 - Czech and Slovak Literatures

Studies in the Czech and Slovak literatures of the 19th and 20th centuries: national revival; realism; modernism; avant-garde. (Offered every three years)
Prerequisite: SLA305Y

SLA425Y1 - History of the Czech Literary Language

A study of original and translated works to trace the formation and development of the Czech literary language and to train students to differentiate literary styles, genres, and epochs. Readings include chronicles, sermons, travel accounts, dialogues and significant literary texts. (Offered every three years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA435Y1 - Readings in Czech (formerly SLA435H)

Advanced students are presented with a variety of texts - literary, journalistic, scientific - tailored to their needs and interests. (Offered every three years)
Exclusion: SLA435H
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA445H1 - Magic Prague

This class explores Prague as a meeting point of different cultures. Questions of centre and margin of multiculturalism and nationalism are discussed, based on texts by Jan Neruda, F. Kafka, M. Cvetaeva and others.

SLA455H1 - Aspects of Czech Syntax and Style

Analysis of sentence structures with regard to semantics. Introduction to stylistics. Translations, composition, oral practice.

SLA465H1 - Czech Short Story

Introduces the problematics of public places and private spaces through various works of Czech writers from the 19th and 20th centuries.

SLA475H1 - Modern Czech Drama

Introduces students to the most important plays of contemporary Czech authors. (This is a graduate/undergraduate course)

SLA485H1 - Laughter and Forgetting in Milan Kundera

Laughter and forgetting is a recurrent theme in both Kundera's fictional and essayistic work. This class will examine the variations of this topic in Kundera's work and discuss the prosaic, dramatic and essayistic texts of his Czech period and attempt to place Kundera within the European context of the 'art of fiction'. (This is a graduate/undergraduate course)

Macedonian

SLA109Y1 - Elementary Macedonian

The basic features of the grammar of the Macedonian literary language. Acquisition of essential vocabulary for practical conversation and for comprehension. Development of reading and writing skills. Open only to students with little or no knowledge of the literary language. (Offered in alternate years)

SLA209Y1 - Intermediate Macedonian

Systematic study of morphology. Reading and translation of more complex texts; more advanced composition; oral practice. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: SLA109Y

Polish

SLA106Y1 - Elementary Polish

Basic vocabulary, essential morphology, simple sentence patterns. Regular language laboratory sessions. Reading of contemporary texts. Open only to students with little or no knowledge of the language.

SLA206Y1 - Intermediate Polish

Intensive study of morphology; translation into Polish. Literary texts; oral practice.
Prerequisite: Grade 13 Polish/SLA106Y

SLA216Y1 - The Dynamics of Polish Literature and Culture: a Survey

Major cultural traditions, historical processes, myths, and figures that have shaped and redefined Polish civilization and national identity are problematized and contextualized with the help of works of literature, history, philosophy, political science, music, visual and performing arts. Readings in English (also available in Polish). (Offered in alternate years)

SLA226H1 - Postwar Polish Cinema

The “Polish School” in cinema, its predecessors and successors, their artistic accomplishments, major theoretical and thematic concerns, and their place on the map of European cinema. Films of Ford, Wajda, Polanski, Konwicki, Borowczyk, Has, Kawalerowicz, Zanussi, Kieslowski, and of the new generation of Polish film makers. Films and discussions in English. (Offered every three years)

SLA306H1 - Advanced Polish I

Syntax, word formation, and stylistics. Compositions and precis. Critical evaluation of literary works and articles in Polish. Extensive reading and translation.
Prerequisite: SLA206Y

SLA336H1 - Advanced Polish II

Continuation of 306H1. A variety of cultural materials are used to advance skills in composition, translation, and conversation.
Prerequisite: SLA306H1 or permission of instructor

SLA346H1 - From Eastern Europe to European Union: Polish Postwar Culture

Probes the paradoxes of politics, culture and everyday life by analyzing the complex coexistence of art and literature with changing cultural politics in a totalitarian and post-totalitarian system, with simplistic ideology and political dissent, and with prevailing myths about the West and the East. Readings in English (Polish for majors).

SLA356H1 - What's New? Polish Culture Today

The amazing cultural transformations of Poland in the last fifteen years within a changing Europe. The impact of these changes on Poland's social consciousness and the perception of identity, history, and nationhood. The most recent literature, fine arts, music, and popular culture. Readings in English (Polish for majors).

SLA406H1 - The Curtain Never Falls: Polish Drama and Theatre in Context (formerly SLA406Y)

Study of drama as a literary and theatrical genre in its thematic and formal diversity in Polish literature from the 16th to the 20th century is combined with investigations of the role of the theatre as cultural institution in different periods of Polish history. Readings in English (in Polish for students in the major program). (Offered every three years)
Exclusion: SLA406Y

SLA436H1 - Rebels, Scoffers, and Jesters: Polish Culture from Different Perspectives

An advanced course on artistic, political, aesthetic, philosophical, and ideological dissenters who questioned, undermined, and redefined the main traditions in Polish culture from the 18th to the 21st centuries.Readings in English (Polish for majors).

Russian

Click here to see departmental policy on Russian language course placement

SLA100Y1 - Elementary Russian

The basic features of the grammar. Acquisition of essential vocabulary for practical conversation and for comprehension. Development of reading and writing skills. (May not be taken by students who, in the judgement of the Department, qualify for entry into SLA 220Y)

Readings for 2008-2009:
1. GOLOSA Book 1, 4th edition by Robin, Evans-Romaine, Shatalina and Robin. (2006)
2. Workbook and Laboratory Manual to accompany GOLOSA 1, 4th edition (2006)
Audio: http://www.gwu.edu/~slavic/golosa/

SLA220Y1 - Intermediate Russian

Continuation of morphology. Word formation, composition, and translation. Intensive reading of classical and contemporary literary texts. Oral practice. Not intended for native speakers.
Prerequisite: Grade 13 Russian/SLA100Y

Readings for 2008-2009:
1. V Puti: Russian grammar in context / Olga Kagan, Frank J. Miller. Prentice Hall, 2006.
2. Textbook and Workbook.
3. Russian Animation for Conversation, Merrill, Mikhailova, Alley. Focus Publishing. Newburyport, 2008. can be purchased at http://www.pullins.com/txt/ContactUs.htm
4. Coursepacket with a reading "Blue and Green"
Audio: http://www.humnet.ucla.edu/russian/vputi/

SLA234H1 - Russian and Soviet Cinema

A systematic study of the Russian cinematic tradition from its beginnings to the 1990s. Main topics: the avant-garde cinema and Russian film theory in the 1920s and 1930s; film art in the totalitarian state; the cinema of propaganda and the cinema of dissent; film and history; cinema as a witness to social change.

SLA240H1 New Forms for New Ideas, 1820-1860

A novel in verse (Pushkin's Eugene Onegin), a novel stitched from stories (Lermontov's Hero of Our Times); a mock epic (Gogol's Dead Souls), and others. Struggling with social change and new ideas, Russian authors create unique works of fiction. Readings in English and, for majors, in the original. Offered alternate years. Readings in English and, for majors, in the original. Offered alternate years.

SLA241H1 New Forms for New Ideas, 1860-1900

Fathers and Children (Turgenev), Crime and Punishment (Dostoevsky), The Cossacks (Tolstoy), Lady With A Dog (Chekhov): why do these great Russian works and others still have the power to fascinate and change us? Readings in English and, for majors, in the original. Offered alternate years.
Exclusion: SLA240Y1
Recommended Preparation: SLA240H1

SLA244H1 Studies in Film Genre I: Russian and Soviet Comedy

Russian film comedy from the early 20th century to the present. Films are analyzed stylistically and in the context of the theory of laughter. We examine silent comedy, the Soviet propaganda film, the Stalinist musical comedy, satirical film, and the black comedy. Cinema as medium of cultural dissent and witness to social change. Taught in English. Films have English subtitles. No prior knowledge of Russian required.
Recommended Preparation: SLA234H1

SLA250Y1 - Russian Cultural Heritage (formerly SLA150Y)

A chronological multimedia survey of Russian culture from pre-Christian to post-Soviet times, emphasizing the clash between established authority and dissent, and tracing the conservative and radical currents in Russian literature and the arts, social thought and spirituality. Readings in English of classic poems, stories and novels, supplemented by videos and slides.

SLA252H1 - Russian Short Fiction

An exploration of the elements of the short story through close readings of works by 19th and 20th century writers. Stories in translation by Pushkin, Gogol, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Olesha, Babel, and others.

SLA311H1 Gogol

Fantastic and grotesque works by the most hilarious, obsessive, and delusional character in Russian literature, who teased, fascinated, and polarized readers. Gogol's writings are examined with various theoretical approaches. Includes cinematic (Taras Bulba, Viy, Overcoat) and musical (Ribsky-Korsakov's "Chirstmas Eve," Shostakovich's "Nose") re-creations of Gogol's works. All readings in English.

SLA312H1 - Nabokov

A study of Vladimir Nabokov's novels written in Europe and the United States. Special attention is paid to the nature and evolution of Nabokov's aesthetics; the place of his novels in European and American literary traditions; Nabokovs creative uses of exile to artistic, philosophical and ideological ends; the aesthetic and cultural implications of the writer's switch from Russian to English. Novels studied: Defense, Despair, The Gift, The Real Life of Sebastian Knight, Lolita, Pnin, Pale Fire. The course is taught in English. All readings are in English.

SLA314H1 - Dostoevsky

Crime and Punishment, The Brothers Karamazov, and short works. Dostoevsky’s political, psychological, and religious ideas as they shape and are shaped by his literary art. Readings in English.

SLA315H1 - The Russian Novel: Case Studies

One major Russian novel: its genesis, structure, artistic devices, and philosophical significance. Various critical approaches; cognate literary works. Students are expected to have read the novel before the course begins. Consult the Department for title of novel. Readings in English. (Offered in alternate years)

SLA317H1 - Tolstoy

War and Peace, Anna Karenina, and some shorter works. Tolstoy’s political, psychological, and religious ideas as they shape and are shaped by his literary art. Readings in English. (Offered in alternate years)

SLA320Y1 - Advanced Russian

Syntax of the simple sentence. Problems in grammar and word formation. Composition, translation and conversation. Reading and discussion of literary and non-literary texts.
Prerequisite: SLA220Y; native speakers of Russian admitted only with permission of instructor

Readings for 2008-2009:
1.Cinema For Russian Conversation. M.Kashper, O.Kagan, Yu.Morozova. Focus Publishing. Newburyport, 2005. Volume 1. ( Can be purchased at http://www.pullins.com/txt/Russian.htm)
2. Course packet with readings and grammar

SLA321Y1 - Conversational Russian

Expansion of vocabulary and development of conversational skills. Readings and films stimulating discussion of Russian history, culture, art, and contemporary events and issues.
Exclusion: Native speakers of Russian
Prerequisite: SLA220Yand permission of instructor

SLA 331H1 Experiments and Revolutions in Art and Literature of the Late Russian Empire-Early Soviet Union

Painting, literature, and film from 1890-1930s. New revolutionary paths for the advancement of man and society through art. Symbolism, neoprimitivism, futurism, suprematism, and constructivism. Chekhov, Kandinsky, Bely, Stravinsky, Goncharova, Malevich, Tatlin, Eisenstein, and many others. All readings in English.

SLA332H1 Literature and Music in Russia

This course, on the interaction between artistic genres, introduces a series of Russian and other literary works of the 19-20th C that have inspired Russian musical masterpieces in the operatic, song, and symphonic repertoire. Texts are studied in translation. Basic Russian and musical literacy useful, but not obligatory.

SLA339H1 - The Twilight of an Empire: Russian Art and Thought in the European Fin de Siècle

The course explores Russia's artistic and intellectual responses to social and cultural upheaval in the two decades preceding WWI. Students engage in a comparative study of modernist art and thought in Russia and Western Europe. Topics may include Symbolism and Decadence in literature (Sologub, Belyi, Huysmans, Wilde, etc.); the fin de siècle sensibility in Russian and West European thought (Solòv'ev, Rozanov, Nordau, Weininger); visual and plastic arts (Art Nouveau, Secession, World of Art), music, and film. Taught in English. All readings are in English. No prior knowledge of Russian language or culture is required.

SLA340H1 - Narrative Revolution and Counterrevolution in 20th-Century Russian Prose

The course examines experimental approaches to story-telling and genre limitations in Russian prose, as well as conservative reactions to these experiments, from 1917 to the end of the USSR. Topics may include: formalism, expressionism, stylization, and avant-garde in the 1920s (I. Babel', M. Zoshchenko, Iu. Olesha, A. Remizov, D. Kharms, V. Nabokov); the esthetics of Socialist Realism; the prose of poets (M. Tsvetaeva, B. Pasternak, O. Mandel'shtam, Vl. Khodasevich); underground and émigré memoirs (N. Mandel'shtam, E. Ginzburg, N. Berberova); genre crossovers: documentary novels, fictional criticism (V. Grossman, Abram Terts, L. Tsypkin). Taught in English. All readings are in English. No prior knowledge of Russian language or culture is required.

SLA343H1 - Post-Stalinist and Contemporary Russian Literature

A study of major books and writers of the last forty years (novels, short stories, verse) which are involved in the post-Stalin artistic and cultural liberation, the rediscovery of Russian literature’s links with its own vital tradition, and development of a Russian brand of modern and ‘post-modern’ writing. (Readings in English)

SLA344H1 - The Gulag in Literature

The experience of prison as reflected by Russian writers. The rise and persistence of the prison camp system; physical and spiritual survival; the literary value of the prison experience. Works (in translation) by Dostoevsky, Solzhenitsyn, Shalamov, Ginzburg and others.

SLA351Y1 - Language Practice

Development of writing and translating skills. For more advanced students including native speakers.

SLA367H1 - Chekhov

Selected stories, plays; stylistic, structural, and thematic analysis, literary and historical context, influence in Russia and the West. Readings in English and, for Specialists in Russian, in the original. (Offered in alternate years)

SLA370H1 - Russian Romantic Poetry

An introduction to Russian Romanticism through the major works of one or more poets (chosen variously from Pushkin, Lermontov, Tyutchev, Baratynsky, et al.). Close readings of lyric and narrative verse. The rudiments of Russian versification. Relations with Western European poets. All texts read in Russian.
Co-requisite: SLA320Y

SLA402H1 - Advanced Russian Language Skills I

A series of translation exercises from English to Russian (and some from Russian to English) designed to expand students’ ability to respond to and translate a variety of advanced prose texts in different styles and registers.
Prerequisite: SLA320Y or permission of the instructor

SLA403H1 - Advanced Russian Language Skills II

This course follows on from SLA 402, which is, however, not a prerequisite for enrolment. The course provides complex and stylistically varied exercises in translation from Russian into English and vice versa, and should be of equal benefit to those with native Russian and native English.
Prerequisite: SLA320Y or permission of the instructor

SLA415H1 - Studies in Russian Literature of the 18th Century

The prose, poetry and dramaturgy of the most prominent literary figures of the eighteenth century, including Karamzin, Lomonosov, Fonvizin, Derzhavin and Krylov; aspects of literature during the reign of Peter I; literature and satirical journalism during the reign of Catherine II. (Taught in Russian).
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

SLA420Y1 - Studies in Russian Syntax and Stylistics

Syntactic structures and their relation to meaning and style, word order, intonation. Consolidation of morphology, vocabulary building through extensive reading. Translation, composition, and oral practice.
Prerequisite: SLA320Y; native speakers of Russian admitted only with permission of instructor

Readings for 2008-2009:
1. Nakhimovsky, Alexander D. and Richard L. Leed. Advanced Russian, Second Edition, Revised. Bloomington, IL:  Slavica Publishers, 1987.
2. Bulgakov, Mikhail. The Heart of a Dog. Russian text, edited with introduction and commentary by A. Pyman. BCP and Focus Student Editions, 1993.
3. Genevra Gerhart, The Russian?s World. 3rd edition. Bloomington: Slavica, 2001.
4. Course packet with readings, stylistics and grammar

SLA423H1 War and Peace

War and Peace in depth, and from various points of view, literary, political, philosophical, historical, and psychological. Various critical approaches; cognate literary works. Students are expected to have read the novel before the course begins. Readings in English. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended Preparation: SLA 317H1

SLA433H1 Anna Karenina

Anna Karenina in depth, and from various points of view, literary, political, philosophical, historical, and psychological. Various critical approaches; cognate literary works. Students are expected to have read the novel before the course begins. Readings in English. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended Preparation: SLA 317H1

SLA440H1 - Introduction to Russian Nineteenth Century Poetry

Starting with pre-Pushkinian Classicism this course surveys the development of Russian lyric verse (with some excursions also into narrative verse); major topics studied include: Pushkin, Russian Byronism, the Pushkin Pleïade, Nekrasov's civic verse; philosophical verse by Tyutchev; Impressionist and Decadent poets. Readings in Russian.
Prerequisite: SLA320Y/340H1

SLA441H1 - Modern Russian Poetry

This course follows on from SLA440H, although the latter is not a prerequisite for enrolment. A chronological survey begins with Symbolist verse; special attention is devoted to Blok, Akhmatova, Mandelstam, Pasternak, Mayakovsky; other modernists studied include Tsvetaeva, Esenin, Zabolotsky; study of the post-Stalin revival begins with Voznesensky and Evtushenko, concluding with Iosif Brodsky. Readings in Russian.
Prerequisite: SLA320Y/340H1

SLA449H1 - Russian Thinkers

Social and political change, and national and spiritual destiny in the philosophical, journalistic and critical writings of nineteenth century Russia. From Slavophiles and Westernizers to anarchists, nihilists and revolutionary populists. Readings in English and, for Russian majors, in the original. Offered in alternate years.

SLA450H1 - Pushkin and His Age

Lyric poetry, poems, selected prose and Evgeny Onegin. Pushkin and the idea of a writer in the Russia of his time; his image as a national poet. Readings in Russian.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

SLA451H1 - Russian Acmeist Poetry

This course examines the Acmeist phenomenon, studying writings by Kuzmin, Gorodetsky, Narbut, Nadezhda Mandelstam and others, making a special study of Akhmatova, Mandelstam, Gumilev. Other topics include: critical reception of Acmeist writings, Acmeist poets' interaction with other contemporary writers, ideological and cultural aspects of the movement. All readings in Russian.

SLA460H1 - Contemporary Russian Literature

Major writers and literary groupings of the past decade; the literary process in post-Soviet Russia. (Taught in Russian).
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

SLA461H1 - Literary Scandals in 20th Century Russia

An examination of twentieth-century literature through exploration of major literary scandals, including Blok/Bely, Mayakovsky, Voloshin, Zoshchenko/Akhmatova, the Nobel and Booker Prizes; how these illustrate tensions within literature and reveal the literary process. (Taught in Russian).
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

SLA462H1 - Russian Comic Fiction

The characteristics and the tradition of Russian comic writing, from Chekhov's early stories to the Soviet "meshchanin" of Mikhail Zoschenko and the emigres of Sergei Dovlatov. Given in Russian.

SLA 464Y1 - Studies in the Russian Novel

An examination of the most prominent Russian novelists of the last several decades, including Erofeev, Bitov, Sorokin and Azolsky. The genesis, structure, artistic devices and philosophical significance of their novels, critical approaches to them, cognate works. (Taught in Russian).
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor

Slavic Linguistics

SLA330Y1 - Old Church Slavonic

Structure and history. Reading and linguistic study of Old Slavonic texts.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA452Y1 - Structure of Russian

The phonology, morphology and syntax of contemporary standard Russian from a formal and semantic standpoint.
Prerequisite: SLA320Y

Ukrainian

SLA108Y1 - Elementary Ukrainian

Basic vocabulary, simple sentence patterns, essential morphology. Regular language laboratory sessions. Open only to students with little or no knowledge of the language.

SLA208Y1 - Intermediate Ukrainian

Study of morphology through grammar drills; oral practice in the language laboratory; reading of texts from Ukrainian literature.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA218Y1 - Ukrainian Literature and Culture

A general survey of Ukrainian culture through an examination of selected literary works and their historical context. The course covers the period from Kievan Rus’ to the present. Readings in English. (Offered in alternate years)

SLA228H1 - Soviet Ukrainian Fiction in Translation

A selection of Soviet Ukrainian novels and short prose in English translation. From the intellectual novel of the 1920s, through socialist realism, to the new prose of the 1980s. Authors include Pidmohylny, Antonenko-Davydovych, Honchar, Zahrebelny, Tiutiunnyk, and Drozd. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: any course in literature

SLA238H1 - Literature of the Ukrainian-Canadian Experience

A selection of literary texts depicting or reflecting the experience and perceptions of Ukrainians in Canada from the first immigrants to the present. Texts include works originally written in English, French and Ukrainian, but all readings are in English. Authors include: Kiriak, Kostash, Ryga, Galay, Suknaski, Haas. (Offered in alternate years)
Recommended preparation: any course in literature

SLA248H1 - Women and Women’s Themes in Ukrainian Literature

This course examines the presentation of women and women's themes in works of Ukrainian literature. The subjects covered include: role models, freedom, socialism, nationalism, feminism, and sexuality.

SLA308Y1 - Advanced Ukrainian

Review of morphology and study of syntax. Short compositions based on literary and critical texts. Voluntary language laboratory.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA318H - Kyiv—Kiev—Kijow: A City through Cultures and Centuries

A cultural history of the Ukrainian capital; Ukrainian, Russian, Polish and Jewish “versions” of the city; artworks and literary texts that capture the complexity of Kyivan history and culture. Readings in the original languages encouraged but not required.

SLA328H1 - The Culture of Contemporary Ukraine

Contemporary Ukraine is an amalgam of various cultural traditions. This course examines its languages, religions, nationalities, literature, cinema, arts, print and broadcast media, regions, education, and social groups. Special attention is given to the factors that influence public perceptions of identity. All readings are in English.

SLA408H1 - The Ukrainian Short Story

The development of the short story from Kvitka-Osnovianenko to the present day. All readings in the original. (Offered every four years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA418H1 - Ukrainian Drama

The development of Ukrainian drama from Kotliarevsky to the present day. All readings in the original. (Offered every four years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA419Y1 - Ukrainian Poetry

A survey of Ukrainian poetry from Skovoroda to the present day. All readings in the original. (Offered every four years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA428Y1 - The Ukrainian Novel

Major works by Kulish, Nechui-Levytsky, Myrny, Franko, Kotsiubynsky, Kobylianska, Vynnychenko, Ianovsky, Pidmohylny, and Honchar. Readings in Ukrainian. (Offered every four years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA429H1 - Shevchenko

A critical study of Taras Shevchenko. Life, works, and significance. Readings in Ukrainian. (Offered every four years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA438H1 - Style and Structure of Ukrainian

Beginning with an overview of the synchronic structure of Ukrainian (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax), the course introduces various styles of contemporary Ukrainian. Emphasis is on the practical usage of various styles. A number of sociolinguistic questions are examined: dialects, jargons, slang, and the language situation in contemporary Ukraine.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

SLA448H1 - Ukrainian Literature of the 17th and 18th Centuries

A survey of Ukrainian literature from the Renaissance to the National Revival: polemical literature, baroque poetry, school drama, religious and philosophical treatises, history-writing, dumy and satire. Major figures include Smotrysky, Vyshensky, Prokopovych and Skovoroda. Works are read in modern Ukrainian and English translations. (Offered every four years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Recommended preparation: A 400-level course in Ukrainian literature

SLA458H1 - Ukrainian for the 21st Century

This course introduces students to contemporary Ukrainian using approaches beyond grammar and traditional classroom interaction. Emphasis is on the enhancement of language skills in the context of contemporary Ukraine. Students develop practical skills based on traditional media as well as on multimedia resources, including those of the Internet.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Recommended preparation: SLA208Y, 308Y

SLA468H1 - Aspects of Literary Translation of Ukrainian

This course introduces the problems of written translation of literary works from Ukrainian into English: evaluation and comparison of existing translations, practical exercises; treatment of common difficulties in translating, various literary genres and styles, dialectical, social, generational and other subvarieties of language, as well as idiomatic and figurative language.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Recommended preparation: SLA308Y or permission of instructor

Estonian

EST100Y1 - Elementary Estonian

The basics of Estonian: elementary phonology, morphology, and syntax. Emphasis on reading and speaking as well as writing skills. (Offered in alternate years)
Exclusion: Native Speakers

EST200Y1 - Intermediate Estonian

Continued emphasis on basic language skills, on acquisition of both active and passive vocabulary. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: EST100Y or permission of instructor

EST210H1 - Introduction to Baltic Folklore

A comparative survey of oral traditions of peoples on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea (Finns, Carelians, Estonians, Livonians, Latvians) and their impact on these national cultures (e.g. Kalevala, Lalevipoeg, Lacplesis). No knowledge of Finnic or Baltic language required.

EST300Y1 - Advanced Estonian

Advanced grammar and stylistics through study of a variety of texts; problems of composition; translation; oral and written practice. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: EST200Y or permission of instructor

EST400Y1 - Estonian Literature from 1700

A survey of the major writers and literary periods in Estonian literature. From Käsu Hans’, Lament of Tartu to the National Awakening. Republican, Soviet, expatriate literature, and the New Awakening. Readings in Estonian or English. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Recommended preparation: EST300Y

EST420Y1 - Independent Study
TBA

A reading and research project of significant depth in a major topic in Estonian language, literature or culture approved and supervised by an instructor.
Prerequisite: EST300Y/400Y; permission of instructor

EST421H1 - Independent Study
TBA

A reading and research project of significant depth in a major topic in Estonian language, literature or culture approved and supervised by an instructor.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Finnish

FIN 100Y - Elementary Finnish 

An introductory language course for students with no knowledge of Finnish. The acquisition of a basic vocabulary and of an understanding of elementary structural features through practice in comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. (Offered twice in a three year cycle)

FIN 200Y - Intermediate Finnish 

The four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) honed by discussion of Finnish literary texts as well as by compositions in Finnish about these texts, by a series of conversation exercises, and by analysis of morphology, syntax and word formation. Translation is used to aid in language learning. (Offered twice in a three year cycle)
Prerequisite: FIN100Y or permission of instructor

FIN 220H - Introduction to Finno-Ugric Linguistics

A survey of the linguistic structures of the Finno-Ugric languages including Estonian, Finnish and Hungarian. Focus is to gain insights into workings of non-Indo-European languages. No prior knowledge of Finno-Ugric languages or linguistics required.

FIN 230H - Finnish Culture 1800 to Present

FIN230H offers an introduction to Finnish society, history and culture 1800 to present. The course examines the rise of Finnish nationalism in the 1800s, its main manifestations, particularly the developments of its cultural, educational and social institutions, its economic structures, its demographics, as well as the nation's bilingual status.
Exclusion: FIN210Y

FIN 2235H - Finnish Literature 1800 to Present

FIN235H surveys the major works in Finnish literature 1800 to present by examining its role in the implementation of the agenda of Finnish nationalism in the 19th and the 20th century. The major genres and periods in Finnish literature are studied.
Exclusion: FIN210Y
Recommended preparation: FIN230H

FIN 250H - Finnish Cinema

Development of Finnish cinema from its parochial beginnings to its international recognition. The great pastoral tradition; the war memories (Laine, Kassila, Parikka); socio-political engagement of the 60s
(Donner, Jarva), the paucity of the 70s (Mollberg); the universal outsider themes of the 80s (Aki and Mika Kaurismaki). Readings and subtitles in English. (Offered in alternate years)

FIN 260H - Scandinavian Cinema

Major developments of cinema in Scandinavia in the 20th century with concentration on the major film makers of Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. Screening of films by directors such as Victor Sjostrom, Mauritz Stiller, Alfi Sjoberg, Ingmar Bergman, August Bille, Carl Th. Dreyer, Gabriel Axel, Nils Gaupe, Aki and Mika Kaurismaki.

FIN 300H - Advanced Finnish

FIN300H Advanced Finnish provides a continuation of FIN200Y Intermediate Finnish.
Prerequisite: FIN200Y or permission of instructor
Exclusion: FIN300Y

FIN305H1 Finnish Morphology and Syntax

Finnish Morphology and Syntax is designed to present the Finnish morphological system and the principles of Finnish syntax to students interested in general linguistics, morphology, syntax, or Finnish linguistics. The Finnish case system, the verb conjugation system and phenomena such as consonant gradation, vowel harmony and clitics will be explored.
Prerequisite: Introduction to linguistics or FIN100Y

FIN 310H - Finnish Folklore: The Kalevala

An examination of the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala: its relationship to the tradition of folk poetry; its quality as an epic poem; the mythological, religious, and cultural dimensions of its world view; its role in Finland's nation building in the 19th and 20th centuries. Readings in English. (Offered in alternate years)

FIN 320H - The Finnish Canadian Immigrant Experience

Major issues and dimensions of the culture and experience of the Finnish immigrants to Canada, including Finnish Canadian literature, theatre, and press. Conceptual and ideological contributions to working class culture, women's lives, religious and social attitudes and values. Readings in English. (Offered in alternate years)

FIN 330H - Regional Origins of Finnish Culture 

The course traces the construction of a unified Finnish culture over the centuries from subcultures and values which ultimately have their definitions in the regional diversity of the area now called Finland. It focuses on the main divisions into western and eastern Finland, but also explores the Swedish and the Sami (Lappish) heritage in the context of old cultural regions. The sources used are cultural history texts as well as Finnish literature.

FIN 340H - Finland-Swedish Literature and Culture

An examination of the major Finland-Swedish authors (Rune Coerg, Tgrelicks, Sodergran, Tove Jansson) and the linguistic reality of Finland as it has changed over time. The distinctly Finland-Swedish culture is
explored, analysed and assessed in its Finnish and Scandinavian context. Cultural giants are studied (Sibelius, etc.).

FIN 350H - The Finnish Short Story

Historical, structural, and thematic study of the short fiction of Finland from the Romanticism of the 19th century to contemporary post-structuralism and post-modernism. Works of Runeberg, Topelius, Kivi, Canth, Aho, Jotuni, Lehtonen, Schildt, Sillanpaa, Haanpaa, Meri, Hyry, Salama, Mukka, Liksom, Hulden, and others. Readings in English. (Offered in alternate years)

FIN 410H - Finnish Literature 1700-1900 (in Finish)

A chronological study of the development of Finnish literature, emphasizing outstanding writers, significant movements and trends, the emergence and transformations of the major genres and their relationship to Finnish folklore and to the national awakening. Readings in Finnish. (Offered in alternate years)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Recommended preparation: FIN300Y

FIN 415H - Finnish Literature in the 20th Century

This course examines the main literary works and genres of 20th Century Finland, especially Jotuni, Sillanpää, Haanpää, Meri, Manner, Linna, Tuuri and a sample of contemporary writers. The readings are in Finnish. Prerequisite: Reading ability in Finnish
Exclusion: FIN410Y
Recommended preparation: FIN410H

FIN 420Y - Independent Study

A reading and research project
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

FIN 430H - Independent Study

A reading and research project
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor