SLAV 2169 Introduction to Slavic Peoples and Cultures
Introduction to Slavic Peoples and Cultures (formerly Slavic Civilizations) is a gateway course that satisfies the Cultural Diversity core and is required for both Russian and Slavic majors. The course is designed to familiarize students with major topics, such as languages and religions in Eastern Europe, and the formation of nation states and identities. Special attention will be paid to major events in Slavic cultural history, from the appearance of Slavs in history to the rise and fall of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia. We will study these events not only through literary texts but also works of art, music, and film. The course is taught entirely in English with no prerequisites.
Course overview
- Department
- Slavic Studies
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically in the Spring
Catalog details
- Satisfies core
- Cultural Diversity
Requirements fulfilled
- Russian: Introduction to Slavic Peoples and Cultures (one course, 3 credits) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Slavic Studies: Introduction to Slavic Peoples and Cultures (one course, 3 credits) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- University Core: Cultural Diversity (All undergraduates)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.04 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.26 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Tony Lin | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 1–3 hrs/week | 6 of 9 |
| Fall 2024 | Tony Lin | 3.7 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4–6 hrs/week | 7 of 9 |
| Spring 2024 | Tony Lin | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4–6 hrs/week | 11 of 15 |
| Spring 2023 | Tony Lin | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 1–3 hrs/week | 13 of 17 |
| Fall 2021 | Mariela Dakova | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 5 of 8 |