Slavic Studies: Polish Studies, BALAS
for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Slavic Studies, Polish Studies Concentration
The major in Slavic Studies emphasizes the study of language, literature, and culture in historical context. Students develop intensive cultural literacy and communication skills through humanities-oriented training. Our students are culturally curious, interested in understanding different ways of thinking, feeling, and conceiving the world in distant times and places. They are critical readers and interpreters, sensitive to nuances of expression, responsive to artistic innovation, open to new ways of thinking. They’re skilled writers and communicators who can master complex material, reconcile conflicting evidence, and succinctly argue and support a position. Many go on to careers in writing and editing, media, or work with international cultural foundations and organizations. The major is an excellent preparation for law school, business school, or other graduate study, as well as careers in the N.G.O. world, teaching, or research.
for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Slavic Studies, Polish Studies Concentration
A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60 - 75 hours). Study abroad courses may be substituted for major and minor requirements with approval of adviser.
Departmental distinction: Graduation with distinction may be earned by completion of one of the following two options:
- GPA in departmental courses of 3.75; or
- GPA in departmental courses of 3.50, plus successful completion of academic study trip to the region, documented by graded transcript. See a departmental adviser to work out details, preferably two semesters before graduation.
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.
Minimum hours required major and supporting course work: normally equates to 30 hours including 6 hours in advanced language and 24 hours in literature and culture. Twelve hours of 300- and 400-level courses in the major must be taken on this campus.
University Requirements
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
fulfilled by POL 115 and any other course approved as Humanities & the Arts | ||
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
fulfilled by POL 115 | ||
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the fourth semester or equivalent of a language other than English, or completion of the third semester in two different languages other than English is required) | 0-20 | |
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Language: A minimum of 6 hours beyond the second year of the Polish language: POL 301 and POL 302, or equivalent; or students may choose to complete the second year (200-level sequence) of a second Slavic language, including Russian, in addition to Polish. | 6 | |
| Literature and Culture: A minimum of 24 hours is required in the following areas (POL 401 and POL 402 can count toward the requirements in any category): | 24 | |
6 hours of Introductory Culture courses: | ||
| Intro to Polish Culture (and) | ||
Choose one of the following: | ||
| Intro to Russia and Eurasia | ||
| Introduction to Eastern Europe | ||
| Introduction to Jewish Culture in the Russian Empire | ||
| Russ & E Euro Science Fiction | ||
| Russian & E Euro Folktales | ||
6 hours of Literature Survey courses chosen in consultation with the Undergraduate Advisor from a list maintained in the Slavic Department. 1 | ||
12 hours of Upper-level (300- and 400-level) Literature and Culture courses chosen in consultation with the Undergraduate Advisor from a list maintained in the Slavic Department. 1 | ||
| Capstone Experience: All majors are required to complete a capstone course, project, or experience chosen from among the following: | 0-3 | |
(1) RUSS 493 Honors Senior Thesis (2 hrs); or | ||
(2) a 300- or 400-level course in the Slavic Department in which a research project is undertaken; or | ||
(3) Study abroad in the region. | ||
Majors should consult with the Undergraduate Advisor to plan their capstone experience. | ||
- 1
Up to 9 hours of the literature requirement (but no more than 6 at the upper level) can be replaced by courses at the same level in other departments, chosen in consultation with and approved by the Undergraduate Advisor, that treat the history, culture, and society of Poland or the region.
for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Slavic Studies, Polish Studies Concentration
Sample Sequence
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Free Elective course | 1 | Literature and Culture Introductory course | 3 |
| POL 115 | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Free Elective course | 1 |
| Language Other than English (3rd level) | 4 | Language Other than English (4th level) | 4 |
| Composition I or General Education course | 4 | General Education course or Composition I | 3 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Total Hours 29 | |||
| Second Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Literature Survey course | 3 | Literature Survey course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | General Education course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 | Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 4 | Free Elective course | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours 31 | |||
| Third Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Advanced Literature and Culture course | 3 | Advanced Literature and Culture course | 3 |
| Slavic Language Requirement | 3 | Slavic Language Requirement | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Free Elective course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 | Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 | Free Elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours 30 | |||
| Fourth Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | Second Semester | Hours |
| Advanced Literature and Culture course | 3 | Advanced Literature and Culture course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 | Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 | Free Elective course | 3 |
| Free Elective course | 3 | Free Elective course | 3 |
| Capstone Experience | 3 | Free Elective course | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Hours 30 | |||
Total Hours: 120
for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Slavic Studies, Polish Studies Concentration
- Proficiency in the target language associated with the major track (Polish) of at least intermediate high level on the ACTFL scale, with some control of advanced low functions.
- Improved and effective writing and communication skills in the English language.
- Coherent knowledge and functional grasp of the culture(s) and history(ies) of the region or regions and peoples targeted by the major track.
- Analytical and interpretive abilities making use of the critical tools and methodologies taught in our courses of literary and cultural study.
for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts & Sciences in Slavic Studies, Polish Studies Concentration
Slavic Languages & Literatures
Slavic faculty
slavic@illinois.edu
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences website
Liberal Arts & Sciences Admissions & Requirements