The M.A. and Ph.D. programs provide rigorous professional training in Slavic Languages and Literatures in a supportive and interdisciplinary atmosphere. Students study to become generalists in Slavic Languages and Literatures, while at the same time choosing from a variety of more specific areas within the broader field. Many students also take advantage of close ties with specialists in Russian History, Linguistics, Comparative Literature, Cinema & Media Studies, and Anthropology. The Department's academic program, faculty-student mentoring, training in language pedagogy, and support for early publications have consistently produced fine scholars who have succeeded in the highly competitive academic job market.Russian LiteratureCourses in Russian literature are taught by internationally renowned faculty with a broad variety of specializations, from medieval Slavic literature to the classic Russian novel to current writing in Russia. Poetry is a particular strength, with detailed coverage of great Russian poetry from Lomonosov, Pushkin, and Akhmatova to Brodsky and beyond. Another strength is Russian intellectual history, from the Slavophiles to Bakhtin. Our offerings also include coverage of contemporary theory and non-verbal media.Slavic Linguistics and LanguagesIn addition to general courses and concentrations in East, West, and South Slavic Linguistics, the Department has tracks in Balkan Linguistics and Baltic Linguistics. Language and linguistics-oriented courses are available in Russian, Ukrainian, Czech, Polish, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Macedonian, and Bulgarian as well as Albanian, Georgian, Lak, Lithuanian, and Romani. Other Slavic, Balkan, and Baltic languages are also covered in various linguistics courses. The option to pursue a joint degree in the Department of Linguistics broadens the opportunities for students in Slavic Linguistics.Interdisciplinary StudiesThis cutting-edge program offers broad preparation in the relationships among the visual arts, cinema, media, folk and popular culture, as well as Slavic, Balkan, and Baltic languages and literatures. The main thrust of the program is the study of the history and criticism of interdisciplinary approaches to literature and the visual arts. Other emphases include anthropology, language, and intellectual history.Polish and Czech StudiesSince its creation in 1962, the Department's Polish Studies Program has served as one of the eminent academic centers for Polish literature, culture, and linguistics in the United States. The program offers M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Polish literature and linguistics. The Department also offers students the opportunity to specialize in Czech language and literature. Support for Czech and Slovak language study is provided by annual awards from the Department's Procházka Funds.