Courses in this area focus on Serbian language, literature and culture. The language studied is used in Serbia proper and in some other republics of the region, as well in the diaspora abroad. Courses are offered on three levels and will meet the needs of students at the beginning (207Y), and advanced (307Y).

There is a broad range of offerings in Serbian literature, folklore and culture. 217Y is an introductory survey of Serbian cultural history for which no prior knowledge of the language is necessary. Intermediate courses in drama, fiction and folklore (327H, 337H, 347H) require a good understanding of the language, but English translations of the readings are provided. For the modern poetry course (417H), close readings of the original are done, and a solid grasp of the language is necessary.

In these courses emphasis is on perfecting communication skills and comprehending culture patterns. Students learn about the unique heritage of the Serbs, whose homeland is located in a vital and controversial region of Europe and stands at the crossroads between East and West, the Ancient world and modern Europe. Their rich national history and traditions offer fertile ground for understanding the intricate work of cultural relations that makes up the human family.

Serbian studies will help prepare you for language and culture related careers in: Business, Communications, Film and Theatre, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Publishing, Government, Law, Education, Travel and Tourism, Health Care, Science and Technology.

Serbian Courses

SLA 207Y - Elementary Serbian Language
Hours: 4 Hours per week
Prerequisite: Open to students with little or no previous knowledge of the language.
Basic phonology, morphology and syntax of the standard literary language, both eastern and western variants. Composition and oral practice. 

SLA 217Y - Serbian Cultural History and Culture 
Hours: 2 Hours per week
A survey of culture in literature, film and the fine arts from the coming of the Srbs to Southeastern Europe until the present. Readings in English with texts in Serbian.

SLA 307Y - Advanced Serbian
Hours: 4 Hours per week
Prerequisite: SLA 207Y
Introduction to syntax of phrases, simple and compound sentences. Translation, composition and oral practice based on extensive reading from various authors.

SLA 327H - The Balkan Short Story
Hours: 2 Hours per week
Studies of novels and short stories written since 1950. Focus on innovative writers and current trends. Readings in the original and English.

SLA 337H - Political Drama from Dubronic
Hours: 2 Hours per week
The development of theatre traditions as reflected in classic plays from the Renaissance to the present. Readings in the original and English.

SLA 347Y - South Slavic Folklore 
Hours: 2 Hours per week
Historical stylistic study of the oral epic traditions, Christian and Moslem. The role of folklore and customs in the development of national literature. Readings in the original and English. 

SLA 417H - Modern Serbian Bards
Hours: 2 Hours per week
Verse since 1900 by the major poets of the nation. Focus on the Serbian Moderna, Surrealism, and other avant-garde movements. Readings in Sebian and English.