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Like the double-headed eagle that is once again its symbol, Russia faces simultaneously in two directions, east and west. Its literature and culture draw upon the orient as well as the west. Its unique position has produced a uniquely fascinating and profound culture, and many world-renowned writers, musicians, philosophers, religious and political thinkers, and scientists. Over the past three centuries, Russia has redefined itself several times. With the collapse of the Soviet regime, it is in flux once again, and is engaged in another struggle for national self-identification.

You can study Russia's past and present in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Toronto. We have one of the most comprehensive programs, undergraduate and graduate, in Russian language, literature, and linguistics to be found in North America. At the same time, a three or four-year sequence of courses in Russian language is central to programs in language and literature for students in the Faculty of Arts and Science (matriculants and those having equivalent preparation enter at the 200 level). Courses in Russian linguistics add to the language program.

There is an extensive range of courses in Russian literature. Some courses offer broad coverage of the Russian novel, poetry, drama and theatre, and others are devoted to individual major writers, such as Gogol, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Turgenev, Pasternak and Chekhov. Many courses permit reading to be done in English translation, so that they may be attended by students not enrolled in Russian language courses.

Why Study Russian?

In the first two years of Russian you will learn the basic structure of the language. You will read simple texts and talk about your daily life, your studies and your interests. In the third year you will be able to discuss various political, cultural, and personal topics. You will read Russian literary texts -- poems, songs, tales -- with some help from a dictionary. After the fourth year you will speak fluent Russian. You will be able to read, translate and write the modern literary Russian used in articles, essays, business letters and applications.

If you know Russian, you will be joining a very large group of people. Russian is the third most spoken language in the world (after Chinese and English). With its population of 150 million, there are enormous business opportunities in Russia for Canadians. Its geographic location makes Russia vital politically as well. Our students often go on to graduate school to study the language, literature, history, politics or economics of Russia. Knowledge of Russian is also a great asset in such varied fields as government (especially the foreign service), law, economics, international aid work, the military, business administration and medicine.

Russian Language Placement Test

Please be advised that students enrolled in Russian language courses who have not taken SLA100Y, must take the Russian Language Placement Test.

Students enrolling in SLA100Y may be required to take a placement test if the student has any prior knowledge of Russian.

The purpose of this test is to assess each student's language skills and to place them in the correct course level. Students should be advised that placement is at the discretion of the department.

The dates of the Placement tests have changed Students may write the Placement tests on either August 31, September 1 or 2 from 11 am -1 pm in AH 404. Please remember to bring a pen.

Please contact the department to notify us of your intent to write the placement test.

Major and Minor Requirements

If our courses interest you, you might take one or two courses in language or literature as your breadth requirement. If you want to do more, the following detailed information boils down to four basic options.

1. If your interests are primarily in language, you can complete a four-course Minor in Russian Language.

2. The Specialist Program in Slavic Languages offers a broader and deeper study of Russian and another Slavic language.

3. Those with literary interests can take a Minor, Major or Specialist Program in Russian Language and Literature.

4. If area studies (i.e, the history, politics, culture and languages of Russia/Eastern Europe) is your concern, the Major or Specialist Program in Russian and East European Studies will meet your needs.

Please refer to the University Calendar for specific degree requirements.