Slavic and Eurasian Program

The Slavic and Eurasian program at Notre Dame features small class sizes, close relationships with faculty, opportunities to do research and write a senior thesis, multiple avenues to study abroad in a Russian-speaking country, cultural events in the South Bend and Chicago areas, and much more!

Why Slavic & Eurasian?

Our classes are discussion-based and draw on interdisciplinary approaches that integrate history, politics, language, literature, art, and Slavic and Eurasian culture to provide you with a full understanding of this complex region. They will give you the theoretical and analytical tools necessary to think critically and independently about the Slavic, East-European, and Eurasian world, as well as the intercultural competence to succeed in a study abroad program, internship, or job in the region.

As scholars, our faculty are leaders in Slavic and Euarian cultural studies. They publish their work in high-impact journals and with well-regarded university presses. Our faculty members provide highly acclaimed courses in English, covering timely topics such as the current geopolitical situation, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its origins, Armenian literature, as well as the masterpieces of Russian literature.

Why the Russian Language?

Our department offers the Russian language as the main Slavic language, as well as a possibility to study the foundations of Ukrainian.

Explore more reasons to study the Russian language.

Studying the Russian language along with Slavic and Eurasian culture prepares you for a variety of careers, both using the language and beyond. Learn more about how 100% of Russian alumni found success after graduation.

“My study of Russian language provided me with cultural competency that was extremely useful when I was an intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy. Beyond direct influence on my work, my study of Russian language and literature developed the complexity of my thinking, my critical thinking skills, and my willingness to take on hard things. By taking on Russian, we developed our self-discipline and inclination toward hard work that are hallmarks of successful people.“

Language programs

We offer the following undergraduate programs for students interested in the Russian language:

• the Russian major
• the major in international economics with a concentration in Russian
• the Russian supplementary major
• the Russian language minor

Minor in Slavic and Eurasian Studies

For students who are not studying the Russian language, we also offer a minor in Slavic and Eurasian studies, which features coursework exclusively in English. The students focus on learning about the culture of the Slavic, East European, and Eurasian region without the study of the language. This minor couples well with a major in Political Science, Global Affairs, or any other related field.

In addition to our excellent course offerings, our undergraduate students engage in research — serving as a research assistant for a faculty member, conducting their own independent research, or writing a senior thesis. Our honors track prepares students who plan to attend graduate school. Internships during the summer and academic year are available to our students, and our undergraduate majors are very successful in finding careers after graduation.