Russian and East European Studies - BA

Situated on the threshold between Europe and Asia, Islam and Christianity, and East and West, Russia has always had a culture and identity dependent on its changing relationship with other cultures and nations, including those in Eastern and Central Europe. With vast natural resources and global significance, Russia is a country whose language, politics, and culture we can’t afford not to understand better. Russia’s world-renowned art, literature, film, and music can help you understand this vast and diverse country beyond the headlines. As a student in the program, you’ll take courses covering different aspects of Russian and East European culture taught by dedicated and expert faculty who will give you all the personal attention you need to succeed. Of course, the best way to understand another culture is through its language! We offer world-class instruction in the Russian language at all levels of proficiency. Career options for majors and minors include business, government, law, medicine, travel, education, and translation.

• Government

• Education

• Business

• History

• Literature

• Linguistics

• Professor of Linguistics or History

• International Business or Language Teaching Abroad

• Literature or Arts Professionals

• The famous artist Ilya Kabakov came to UCSB and built a sculpture by Buchanan Hall, and our alumni are influential on the global arts scene

• Our alumni have worked with the Peace Corps in Eastern Europe, built kindergartens in Armenia, contributed their skills to national security, the military, or international business - and more

• You can study Russian in immersive programs in the US and across Russian-speaking world regions outside of Russia, such as Armenia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, or Latvia

• Linguistics

• Comparative Literature

• History

• Political Science

• Global Studies

• Politics

• Cinema

• Folklore

• Science fiction

Russian and East European Studies Program website: https://www.gss.ucsb.edu/slavic

Russian and East European Studies Major: https://www.gss.ucsb.edu/slavic/major

Awards and Honors: https://www.gss.ucsb.edu/slavic/awards