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Department of Slavic Languages
Degree Programs:
M.A., M.Phil.; Ph.D., Free-Standing M.A.; Full-Time/Part-Time: Free-Standing M.A. in Slavic Cultures; Full-Time/Part-Time: Free-Standing M.A. in Russian Translation
Chair:
Cathy
Popkin, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies:
Liza
Knapp,
Ph.D. 714 Hamilton Hall
Tel:
212.854.3941
The department offers sequential programs
(M.A./M.Phil./Ph.D.) for doctoral degrees in Russian and Polish Literatures.
M.A. programs in Czech, South Slavic and Ukrainian Literatures with continuation to the
M.Phil./Ph.D. through the Center for Comparative Literature and Society are
also offered. Students in the Ph.D. program who complete the M.A. in Russian or
Polish Literature may choose to do their M.Phil./Ph.D. work in Comparative
Literature.
The M.A. programs in Russian, Polish, Czech, South Slavic and Ukrainian
Literatures are open to qualified applicants who do not intend to continue
beyond the Master’s degree. The department also offers Master’s only degrees in
Russian Translation and Slavic Cultures, which are non-sequential programs of
study that do not lead to a doctorate.
M.A./M.Phil./Ph.D. Programs
The Department of Slavic Languages offers degree programs in
Russian literature, Czech literature, Polish literature, South Slavic literature and Ukrainian
literature. The doctoral programs are rigorous, requiring extensive study of
the literature from the middle ages to the present, with some fundamental
grounding in the region’s history, linguistics and culture. At the same time,
the department provides training to equip students with sophistication in
literary theory and literary analysis. Ph.D. candidates in the Department
complete their program prepared to conduct serious scholarship in the field and
to teach both language and literature at all levels. Those who complete their
studies in Comparative Literature following fulfillment of the Master’s degree
requirements in Slavic Languages are awarded a Ph.D. in Slavic Languages and
Comparative Literature.
Students may pursue the certificate offered by the W.
Averell Harriman Institute and are encouraged to do so. Courses in the Harriman
certificate program provide broader historical, political and cultural contexts
for literature. They offer opportunities for practical alternatives to an
academic career. In addition, the Institute provides access to a rich array of
visiting speakers and scholars, assistance for travel, access to film and
directly received television, and contact with students and several dozen
faculty members in related departments. To supplement Columbia’s
educational opportunities, students regularly take advantage of the resources New York City has to
offer, including museums, libraries, theatres, businesses and embassies.
No student is admitted directly to the Ph.D. program.
Students who possess an M.A. degree from another institution and are
potentially eligible for advanced standing will be admitted first to the M.A.
program and then evaluated at the end of their first year of residence.
Normally, the student will be required to submit a Master's Essay, whether or
not advanced standing is eventually granted.
Fellowships are awarded in recognition of academic achievement and in
expectation of scholarly success. Because teaching is considered an important
aspect of graduate student training, all graduate fellowships include a
teaching apprenticeship. No fellowship support is available for students
working toward the Free-Standing M.A. degree.
Programs Leading to the Free-Standing M.A. Degree
M.A. in Russian Translation
Students with strong Russian reading skills and a practical
interest in translation may apply for the M.A. Program in Russian Translation.
Students work with Professor Ronald Meyer (Harriman Institute) to select the
most appropriate courses and projects. This program does not lead toward a
doctorate.
M.A. in Slavic Cultures
Students with a cultural interest in Russia or Eastern Europe
may apply for the M.A. Program in Slavic Cultures. Originally conceived to
provide valuable training to New York area
professionals working in enterprises that deal with Russia
and Eastern Europe, the interdisciplinary M.A.
in Slavic Cultures now serves a broad spectrum of students interested in the
languages, cultures and history of that region. Students work with the Director
of Graduate Studies to select the most appropriate courses in Slavic Languages
and Literatures, Anthropology, Art History, History, Sociology, or any other department
that offers course work in Slavic cultures. Proficiency in a Slavic language is
desirable, but not required. This program does not lead toward a doctorate.
Special Admission Requirements
For admission to the respective programs, the department requires
four years of college-level instruction (or the equivalent) in Russian or three
years in Czech, Polish, South Slavic or Ukrainian. An undergraduate major in the appropriate
Slavic language and literature is desirable but not required. The department
will also consider applicants with solid backgrounds in other literatures,
history, philosophy, religion or other disciplines in the humanities.
Because the Center for Comparative Literature and Society
has no independent M.A. programs, applicants who wish to pursue the M.Phil. and
Ph.D. in Comparative Literature must first complete an M.A. in a national
literature. Applicants for the M.A. in Russian, Polish, Czech or Ukrainian who
expect to continue in Comparative Literature after the fulfillment of the
Master’s degree requirements should clearly indicate this on their
applications.
Students interested in combining the study of any of the Slavic literatures
with the study of comparative literature should see the requirements under Center
for Comparative Literature and Society. Students interested in combining the
study of any of the Slavic literatures with area studies should see the
requirements for the Harriman Institute in the bulletin of the School of International and Public Affairs.
In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit one official transcript showing courses and grades for each school attended, a statement of academic purpose, a writing sample (a course paper, term
paper, etc.) and three letters of evaluation from academic sources. All
international students whose native language is not English or whose
undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official
language is not English, must submit scores of the Test of English as a
Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS. For more information, refer to our Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.
For the programs in Slavic Languages:
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DEGREE:
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PHD
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Master's Only
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Deadline for Fall Admission
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January 3
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July 1
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Deadline for Spring Admission
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no spring admission
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November 1
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Resume/CV
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yes
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yes
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Writing Sample
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yes
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yes
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GRE General
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yes
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yes
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GRE Subject
|
no
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no
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Miscellaneous
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see program description
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none
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MA in Russian Translation:
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DEGREE:
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Master's Only
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Deadline for Fall Admission
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July 1
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Deadline for Spring Admission
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November 1
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Resume/CV
|
yes
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Writing Sample
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yes
|
|
GRE General
|
yes
|
|
GRE Subject
|
no
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| Miscellaneous |
none
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M.A. in Slavic Cultures:
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DEGREE:
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Master's Only
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Deadline for Fall Admission
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July 15
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Deadline for Spring Admission
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November 15
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Resume/CV
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yes
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Writing Sample
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yes
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|
GRE General
|
yes
|
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GRE Subject
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no
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Miscellaneous
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none
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