What is Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies?

The Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (REES) program offers students a broad background in the languages, arts, literatures, histories, politics, and cultures of Russia, Ukraine, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and countries of the West Slavic (Poland, Czech Republic) and South Slavic (Balkan) regions. The program is interdisciplinary and draws on over 45 faculty members and courses from 14 different KU departments and schools.

What degrees are offered?

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies is offered as a co-major in conjunction with a major in another academic area. The REES degree is the only undergraduate degree of its kind in the region. The program also offers a Master of Arts in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies for those who wish to continue their studies.

What are the degree requirements?

To earn a degree in REES, you must complete three major requirements. First, you must take the equivalent of the first four semesters of a foreign language at the college level. If you have no previous experience, you must complete the first four semesters in languages before your junior year. KU offers many languages of the region, including Russian, Ukrainian, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Polish, Czech, Slovene, Turkish, and Uyghur.

Second, you must fulfill the degree requirements of your co-major.

Third, you must complete 30 hours of coursework for your REES degree. These hours must include a course in advanced language, and six courses that focus on Russia, Eastern Europe and Eurasia distributed among each of the five core areas: literature, history, political science, philosophy/religion, and business/economics/geography. Students must take at least one course in each area.

Toward the end of your studies, you will take two seminars which will develop your communication skills in your language of emphasis. At least half of the material cited in your research must be written in a foreign language; the seminars will prepare you to research and write a paper in your area of interest.

With early advising and careful planning, it is possible to complete your REES BA co-major degree in four years. Students who begin the program after the freshman year may have to take summer courses if they want to graduate in four years.

What courses will I take?

The Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies Program is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. First-year students in the College take English composition, math, and courses that fulfill general education requirements. For details you can consult this general plan of courses to take over four years to fulfill the co-major.

How do I enter the program?

Once you are enrolled in KU, you can take courses in language and in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies. You are not required to submit a formal application to the department. You become a major when you fill out a major declaration form in the department office.

What kind of job can I get?

Job opportunities for people with Russian, East European and Eurasian language skills and education grow as businesses and communities broaden their ties to this area of the world. Your undergraduate degree will be excellent preparation for a job with an educational exchange program or an entry-level position in government, the military, or business. With additional education, you can pursue a career in international business, law, diplomacy, or college teaching and research.

Can I study abroad?

Almost all students studying in the program participate in study abroad. These affordable programs will sharpen your language skills and give you first-hand experience with a different culture. With careful planning, your overseas studies will apply toward your degree requirements.

Where can I get more information?

For further information about majoring in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, contact:

Ray Finch
Assistant to the Director
Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies
320 Bailey Hall
1440 Jayhawk Blvd.
The University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS 66045-7574
Telephone: (785) 864-4236
Fax:(785) 864-3800
E-mail: crees@ku.edu