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The interdisciplinary program in Slavic and East European Studies offers programs and courses in place of those that were previously offered in the department of Slavic Languages and Literatures and the program in Soviet and East European Studies. The program is guided by an interdepartmental committee whose members are Robert Rothstein (Comparative Literature and Judaic Studies), director; Audrey Altstadt (History); Laszlo Dienes (Comparative Literature); and Julie Hemment (Anthropology).

The major and minor in Russian and East European Studies offer an interdisciplinary approach to the study of a large and important portion of the world, East Europe and what used to be called the Soviet Union. The historic events that have recently occurred in that area make it even more crucial that Americans remain informed about all aspects of life there. The prospects for rapid change and increased contacts impel us to prepare for the challenge of working harmoniously with these nations and for communicating with them in their languages rather than ours. Russian is one of the three most widely spoken languages in the world, and more books are published in Russian than in any other language. It provides access to one of the world’s major literatures and to vast amounts of professional literature in all fields. Polish is a key to the cultural riches of a country that is part of the heritage of many Americans and which plays a very important role in world events.

Courses relevant to the program are regularly available in at least six university departments, and students may enroll as well in Five College courses and participate in study programs abroad. Public lectures and other events augment formal study. The W.E.B. Du Bois Library has an extensive collection of books, journals, digital media and microforms dealing with the Russian and East European area.