Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies, M.A.

Program Overview

This interdisciplinary area studies program trains professionals for careers in fields like business, government, and journalism. It emphasizes cultural, political, and historical factors shaping Eurasia, Russia, and Central and Eastern Europe, while requiring proficiency in at least two regional languages. The program includes non-language courses, a language requirement, and an "Introduction to REECAS" module.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The program provides interdisciplinary area studies training for emerging professionals and future leaders in various fields such as business, development, government, journalism, law, publishing, and the military. The curriculum aims to promote a broad understanding of the cultural, political, economic, social, and historical factors that have shaped the development of societies in Eurasia, Russia, and Central and Eastern Europe. It also emphasizes mastery in Russian, East European, or Central Asian languages at a level necessary for conducting advanced research and professional work in the region. Additionally, the program focuses on providing knowledge of methodological and analytical approaches of different disciplines that contribute to a better understanding of the region and prepare students for conducting advanced research.

Outline:

Course Requirements:

• Non-language (area studies) courses: Minimum of 22 credits from the course list, distributed as follows:
• Seven courses in Russian, East European and Central Asian studies numbered 300 or above (21 credits), distributed over at least three departments.
At least 50% of these credits must be from courses designed for graduate work.
• At least 6 of these credits (two courses) must be graduate-level seminars (numbered 700 through 999).
• 1-credit "Introduction to REECAS" module (SLAVIC 755 Topics in Slavic Literature): Required for all REECAS M.A.
students. Involves attending the weekly CREECA lecture series and writing four short essays based on the content of those lectures.

Language Requirements:

• Language learning is an integral part of the program, and students are required to enroll in language courses each term.
• Students must have a minimum of two years of university-level study (or the equivalent) of a regional language, with at least three years of study strongly recommended.
• For degree completion, students must have proficiency in at least two regional languages.