Major Description

Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia (or the former Soviet Union) form one of the most important, dynamic, and interesting parts of the world today. It is also an area steeped in rich history and culture.  Russian is spoken by some 250 million people. It is the language of one of the world’s great literatures, as well as a valuable tool within communication and scientific research. Eurasia, geographically situated between the East and the West, encompasses 11 time zones and is home to over 100 different ethnic groups and 120 different languages. Its multicultural complexity and political diversity over recent centuries have made it a rich source for the study of political, economic, and social change.

What is the difference between Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies and Slavic Studies?

Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies has a multidisciplinary area studies focus. Students take courses in a variety of disciplines (history, sociology, political science) and develop a broad expertise in the history, politics, and culture of the region that includes Russia, but also many other countries, from the Czech Republic to Estonia to Uzbekistan. Language study can be in Russian, Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian, Czech, Polish, Ukrainian or in any of the other languages of the region offered here. Students often go on to careers in government service, NGOS, translation, health care, library and information science, media, or pursue graduate-level education.

Slavic Studies enables students to specialize in one of five concentrations: Russian Language, Literature, and Culture; Polish Studies; South Slavic Studies; Czech Studies; Ukrainian Studies. It emphasizes the study of language, literature, and culture in their historical context. Students develop intensive cultural literacy and communication skills through humanities-oriented training, and many go on to careers in writing and editing, media, or work with international cultural foundations and organizations. The major is an excellent preparation for law school, business school, or other graduate study, as well as careers in the N.G.O. world, teaching, or research.

Courses That Introduce the Major

• REES 200—Intro to Russia and Eurasia
• REES 201—Introduction to Eastern Europe

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for work in international affairs with a specialized area. Government, education, and business are the primary avenues. Representative employers include: U. S. government (including the State Department, Defense Department, Defense Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, International Communications Agency), multinational corporations, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Graduates are prepared for work in many other fields, including international affairs, translation, health care, library and information science, media, cyber security, and to pursue graduate degrees and professional schools.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

• Participating in undergraduate research
• Applying for a study abroad experience
• Utilizing resources of The Career Center
• Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
  • Russian Heritage Association: promotes Russian culture and language by providing children and families of the Illinois and Champaign-Urbana communities Russian language learning and cultural experience.
  • Russian Student Organization: unites those interested in experiencing Russian culture on campus, along with providing students with Russian roots an opportunity to meet each other and celebrate Russian culture.
  • Albanian Student Association
  • Armenian Association
  • Baltic Club
  • Eastern European Illini
  • Kazakh Student Association
  • Russian Speakers Union
  • South Slavic Student Organization
  • Turkish Student Association
  • Ukrainian Student Association

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies.  These organizations include American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages and Association for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies.

Students who have reached an advanced level in a language of the region are eligible to compete for the academic year and summer Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowship.

To learn more about events, programs, and funding opportunities related to REEES, sign up for the REEEC listserv.

Major Description

Religion is central to all aspects of human life and it profoundly shapes the thought and values of its adherents. Students study the diverse myths, rituals, original texts, and moral systems of the world’s many different religious traditions. Religion, like other liberal arts majors, provides an extraordinary opportunity to think about the core beliefs of civilizations past and present.  While it’s true that Religion is a very good major for students who want to go on to seminaries for further training as religious professionals, it is also, however, an excellent way to prepare for other professions. 

The emphasis in religious studies courses on developing analytical thinking skills and clear written expression is an asset for many career goals. As a strong liberal arts program, the major can lead to research and/or teaching on all levels, as well as careers in related areas such as the ministry, counseling, social work, and other helping professions. Because the major integrates so many academic areas, it is also an excellent background for graduate programs, especially in the humanities, and for professional schools including law, business, and foreign service.

Concentrations

Students may choose from one of seven concentrations. They may also request an individually designed area of study that will need to be approved by a departmental advisor.

• Buddhism
• Christianity
• Hinduism
• Islam
• Judaism
• Philosophy of Religion
• Religion in America

Courses That Introduce the Major

• HIST 141—Western Civ to 1660
• HIST 142—Western Civ Since 1660
• RLST 110—World Religions

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Religion allows students to significantly improve critical thinking and writing skills. which are of strong importance to today’s employers. It also makes for an interesting topic during job interviews. Employers are frequently intrigued and comment about the major choice, giving students additional opportunities for demonstrating how their knowledge and insight about the world is relevant to the position.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

• Participating in undergraduate research
• Applying for a study abroad experience
• Utilizing resources of The Career Center
• Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
  • Chabad Jewish Student Association: provides the university community with an opportunity to foster awareness of Jewish cultural and spiritual heritage, values and traditions; to educate students in Jewish teachings and thoughts; to facilitate observance of rituals and customs.
  • Cru: a Christian community that is all about helping students discover, develop, and transform through a personal relationship with God.
  • Dharma (Hindu Students’ Association): educates the college community about Hinduism through various cultural and philosophical events.
  • International Buddhist Association at Illinois: educates on Buddhist culture, philosophy, and practice. We meet weekly to study Dharma, to practice meditation, and to support one another emotionally and spiritually. We also celebrate cultural events such as the Lunar New Year and the Buddha’s Birthday for our campus community.
  • Muslims Student Association:  consists of people of a variety of backgrounds; a means by which students maintain their faith in a college environment; a tool by which non-Muslims learn about Islam. Students strive to build bridges with other religious groups through service activities and interfaith dialogue.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Religion.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Religion.  These organizations include American Academy of Religion.

Major Description

Portuguese provides students with the opportunity to continue developing their language skills while studying the literature and culture of Portugal and Brazil as well as linguistics. Students majoring in Portuguese may go on to graduate study in areas such as Luso-Brazilian literature, comparative literature, Latin American studies or linguistics. They may also combine Portuguese with other areas to prepare for career opportunities in international business, government, travel or communications.

Courses That Introduce the Major

• PORT 200—Advanced Grammar
• PORT 201—Intensive Beginning Portuguese
• PORT 202—Intensive Intermediate Portuguese 

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Portuguese provides a gateway to a number of different professional paths.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

• Participating in undergraduate research
• Applying for a study abroad experience
• Utilizing resources of The Career Center
• Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
  • Luso-Brazilian Association: promotes and supports cultural activities related to Brazil and other Portuguese speaking communities around the world.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Portuguese.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Portuguese.  These organizations include American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese and Modern Language Association.