THE DEPARTMENT OF 
SLAVIC LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO

The countries of the Slavic world have played a prominent role in international life, and have produced numerous writers, musicians, philosophers, religious and political thinkers, and scientists of note. In Canada, vast immigration from Slavic cultures over the last century has contributed greatly to our cultural mosaic. In our department you can both study the varied cultures and literatures of this fascinating region, and also the dynamic changes taking place there today. On both the graduate and the undergraduate level, the department offers one of North America's broadest ranges of Slavic languages and literatures in North America, with courses in Croatian, Czech, Macedonian, Polish, Russian, Serbian and Ukrainian. It is also home to Finno-Ugric studies in the University, housing a Professor of Finnish, and the Chair of Hungarian Studies.

Excellence in teaching and a good relationship between staff and students have always been high priorities. Students have consistently given the department's instructors very high ratings. An active program of extra-curricular activities -- showings of films from Central and Eastern Europe; talks given regularly by native speakers; cultural evenings with poetry and music recitals – give students a greater understanding of the languages and cultures. These activities, plus the participation by students and staff in various student clubs, help promote an atmosphere of partnership in the study of our areas of concern.

If our courses interest you, consider the following options - you could simple take one or two courses in language or literature as your breadth requirement. Or you could get a Minor in Russian Language or a Minor in language and literature in the various programs. Another option is to work towards a Major which would give a solid knowledge of language and literature. For the undergraduate 2000-2001 Timetable, look at the link to the U of T calendar. For changes and more details about each program, look at the link entitled Programs by Language.

The teaching of Slavic Languages and Literatures began in 1947 at the University of Toronto when Russian was first offered as a continuing subject. The department of Slavic Studies was also established in 1947. Graduate Studies at the MA level began in 1951, and a Ph.D. program was established in 1962. An official review of our graduate program conducted in the 1998-99 academic year named the department "the most important centre of Slavistics in Canada."