Slavic Languages and Literatures

Faculty List

Professors Emeriti
V. Ambros, MA, PhD
R. Bogert, MA, PhD
C.E. Kramer, MA, PhD
R. Lindheim, MA
R.H. Marshall, PhD
N. Pavliuc, MA, PhD
C.V. Ponomareff, MA, PhD
J. Schallert, PhD
R.D.B. Thomson, MA, D Phil

Professor and Chair of the Department
L. Livak, MA, PhD

Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Graduate
D. Obradović, MA, PhD

Associate Professor and Interim Associate Chair, Undergraduate
T. Koznarsky, MA, PhD

Professors
L. Livak, MA, PhD
D. Orwin, MA, PhD
M. Tarnawsky, MA, PhD

Associate Professors
K. Holland, MA, PhD
A. Komaromi, MA, PhD
T. Koznarsky, MA, PhD
A. Muhonen, MA, PhD
D. Obradović, MA, PhD
T. Smoliarova, MA, PhD
T. Trojanowska, MA, PhD

Associate Professor, Teaching Stream and Language Program Coordinator
J. Mikhailova, MA, PhD

Assistant Professor
Z. Mandušić, MA, PhD

Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream
M. Cabaj, MA, PhD

Introduction

For over one thousand years the countries of the Slavic world have played a prominent role in international life, and have provided our civilization with numerous writers, musicians, philosophers, religious and political thinkers, and scientists of note. The richness of the Slavic cultures has a special significance for Canada, since the vast influx of Slavs, which began in the last century, has contributed greatly to the Canadian cultural mosaic.

The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures offers an extensive range of courses in Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Czech and Slovak, Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian languages, literatures, culture, and film as well as in Slavic linguistics. Within this range there are courses suitable for inclusion in a wide variety of programs of study, whether or not the student has studied any Slavic language previously. Some students may specialize in Slavic Languages and Cultures, i.e., Russian, Polish or Ukrainian (see Programs of Study). Others may simply wish to gain a working knowledge of Russian or another Slavic language to aid their reading of important material in another field. Language study emphasizes small instructional groups, with some laboratory or conversational practice, and the use of literary materials.

Courses in the literatures and cultures of various Slavic countries explore the artistic, intellectual, and social currents of their civilizations, trace the literary history of each country, and examine the works of major authors. Many of our literature, culture, and film courses are taught in English and do not require special linguistic preparation.

The growing importance of Eastern Europe in contemporary affairs has had the effect of making academic study of this area especially lively and relevant. The student whose interest in the Russian or East European world is political, historical, or sociological can specialize in Russian and East European Studies, or pursue a course in Political Science, History, or Sociology, and at the same time take language courses, and perhaps selected courses in literature, in this Department. Students planning to specialize in Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, or any number of other fields, who have a special interest in the Russian or East European area, will find an advanced knowledge of Russian or of another Slavic language an important intellectual and professional asset.

Students intending to take a Program offered by the Department are asked to carefully study the Programs of Study and are urged to begin their language training as soon as possible. A Departmental brochure is available on request.

Interim Associate Chair, Undergraduate:
Associate Professor T. Koznarsky, undergrad.slavic@utoronto.ca

Website: sites.utoronto.ca/slavic

Note Regarding Restructured and Renamed Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures Programs

Effective 2023-24, the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures will present a restructured suite of undergraduate program offerings aimed at providing improved opportunities for students to engage in the comparative study of Slavic and East European cultures. These offerings will allow students to pursue studies in the following language and culture areas: Czech and Slovak, Estonian, Finnish, Polish, Russian, South Slavic, and Ukrainian.

Enrolment in the old Slavic Languages and Cultures Specialist, the Slavic Languages and Cultures Major (and its streams), the Slavic Languages and Cultures Minor (and its streams), and the Russian Literature in Translation Minor will no longer be available effective September 21, 2023. Students presently enrolled in any of the above programs will be able to complete the requirements as described in the respective program records, published in the 2022-23 Arts & Science Academic Calendar.

Beginning in March 2024, all students interested in pursuing language, literature, and/or cultural studies in Czech & Slovak, Polish, Russian, South Slavic, or Ukrainian are encouraged to enrol in one of the new programs in Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures (Minor, Major, Specialist) or in Slavic and East European Literature in Translation (Minor).