Program Overview

Introduction to the University of Groningen

The University of Groningen, founded in 1614, is a top 100 university. It offers a Bachelor’s degree programme in European Languages and Cultures, with the option to specialize in Russian.

Studying Russian within European Languages and Cultures

The Russian specialization within European Languages and Cultures is designed for students interested in Russian history, politics, and culture. This programme teaches students how to place the Russian language, culture, literature, and politics in a wider context.

Why Russian?

Russian is considered part of the Slavic language group, which includes languages such as Polish, Czech, and Serbian. It is spoken by more than 250 million people worldwide, making it the eighth most spoken language in the world and one of the six official UN languages. By studying the Russian language and culture, students can better understand the ways in which imperialism and colonialism have shaped Russian identity and society.

Programme Structure

The Russian proficiency course units start in the first semester of the first year. Students will develop their language skills, learn to communicate in the target language, and work with authentic materials. In the second and third year, students will follow four language-specific courses focused on Russian politics, literature, and language, as well as an interdisciplinary course introducing them to the concepts and approaches of memory studies.

Course Content

The programme includes films, the latest news, music, literature, and social media, in addition to more traditional texts. Students will discuss significant developments in Russian politics, read Russian prose and poetry in the original, and explore the societal importance of literature in Russia.

Study Abroad Opportunities

During their third year, students will have the chance to spend a semester abroad, continuing to work on their language skills and expand their knowledge about the region. The University of Groningen has contacts with universities in various countries of Eastern Europe and Eurasia.

Career Opportunities

Depending on their interests, specialization, and profile choices, graduates may qualify for careers in journalism, academic research, international governmental organizations, or NGOs. Other graduates have found jobs in the diplomatic world or taken additional training to become translators or interpreters.

Lecturers

The programme is taught by experienced lecturers, including:

• Alsu Buiting (Language proficiency)
• Dina De Vries-Zhuravleva (Language proficiency)
• Lisa Gaufman (Russian discourse and politics)
• Ksenia Robbe (Russian culture and literature)

Student Testimonials

Students who have completed the programme have praised its challenging yet rewarding nature. They have appreciated the opportunity to develop their language skills, explore Russian culture and politics, and gain valuable research skills.

• Astrid Wieles, a student of ELC Russian, found the programme to be incredibly worthwhile, despite its difficulty. She appreciated the sense of comradery within the classes and the cultural insights offered by the Russian language teaching team.
• Micol Manunta, another student of ELC Russian, completed the programme two years ago and has fond memories of the thriving learning environment and the genuine care of the professors. She found learning Russian to be challenging but deeply rewarding and appreciated the opportunity to explore political and literary elements of the Russian tradition in an interdisciplinary manner.
• Magdalene Blincoe-Deval, a student who enjoys traveling and learning foreign languages, found the programme to be designed for her. She chose Russian as her major language and appreciated the Russian language seminars, which brought the complicated grammar to life. She also valued the sense of comradery within the classes and the cultural insights offered by the Russian language teaching team.