Hungarian


Given by the Centre for European and Eurasian Studies

Introduction

Hungarian is spoken by ten and a half million inhabitants of present-day Hungary, about three million people in the neighbouring countries, and perhaps as many as an additional two million around the world. These figures make Hungarian, which is related to Finnish, Estonian, and Lappish, but virtually no other language in Europe, by far the largest minority language in the great Indo-European language territory.

Despite the isolation that might have been imposed by the uniqueness of their language, Hungarians have been engaged with, and participants in, greater European affairs since their arrival in the Carpathian basin more than a thousand years ago. Hungarians have made significant contributions in the fields of arts, science, and mathematics, winning Nobel prizes in Chemistry (4), Medicine (3), Physics (3), Economics, and Literature. In the music world the names Bártok, Kodály, Lehár, Liszt, Széll, Ormandy, Schiff, and many others are internationally famous. Leo Szilárd, Edward Teller, Paul Erdõs, and John von Neumann are famous figures in theoretical physics and mathematics. Joseph Biró developed the ball-point pen and to this day the British call a ball-point pen, a biro. Hungarians have also become famous in sports, particularly soccer, boxing, and fencing, and in the world of cinema. And who has not played with the Rubik’s cube?

Hungarian studies at the University of Toronto focus on the language, literature, cinema and culture of Hungary and on the international role of Hungary and Hungariansparticularly on Hungarian immigration to Canada. For many of the courses no prior knowledge of the Hungarian language is necessary, making them easily accessible to students in other programs.

Program Coordinator:
Professor Robert Austin, robert.austin@utoronto.ca, 416-946-8942

Hungarian Programs

Hungarian Studies Major (Arts Program) - ASMAJ1124

Enrolment Requirements:

Enrolment in the Hungarian Studies Major will be administratively suspended as of 7 July 2023 and students will no longer be able to enrol in the program. Students presently enrolled in the Major will be able to complete the program requirements as described below. Students who are not enrolled in this Major but are interested in studies in the Hungarian language, film, history and politics are strongly recommended to consult the European Affairs section of the Academic Calendar as well as the Centre for European and Eurasian Studies (CEES) for advising.

Completion Requirements:

(6.0 credits, including 2.0 credits in Hungarian language study)

First Year:
HUN100Y1

Higher Years:
1. HUN200Y1, HUN310Y1, HUN320Y1
2. 2.0 credits from: EUR200Y1, HIS241H1, HIS242H1, HIS251Y1, HIS389H1 (Hungarian History), HIS453H1, HUN355H1, HUN345H1, HUN355H1, HUN356H1, HUN440Y1, HUN450H1, HUN455H1, INI381H1

Hungarian Studies Minor (Arts Program) - ASMIN1124

Enrolment Requirements:

Enrolment in the Hungarian Studies Minor will be administratively suspended as of 7 July 2023 and students will no longer be able to enrol in the program. Students presently enrolled in the Minor will be able to complete the program requirements as described below. Students who are not enrolled in this Minor but are interested in studies in the Hungarian language, film, history and politics are strongly recommended to consult the European Affairs section of the Academic Calendar as well as the Centre for European and Eurasian Studies (CEES) for advising.

Completion Requirements:

(4.0 credits, including at least 1.0 credit at the 300+ level)

4.0 credits from: HUN100Y1, HUN200Y1, HUN310Y1, HUN320Y1, HUN335H1, HUN345H1, HUN351H1, HUN440Y1, HUN450H1, HUN455H1; HIS241H1, HIS251Y1, HIS389H1 (Hungarian History), HIS453H1; INI381H1


 

Faculty of Arts & Science Language Citation

The Hungarian program participates in the Faculty of Arts and Science’s Language Citation initiative. Students may achieve this Citation in Hungarian.

Language study is a demanding and intellectually rewarding educational experience. Our students learn to communicate both orally and in writing in other languages and are thus able to experience other parts of the world in more intimate ways. Their access to other cultures opens doors for further study and employment. Students in our department also have the opportunity to read a vast array of world-renowned authors in the original languages, as well as worksnormally not available in Englishin other areas of study, for example, cinema studies, drama, folklore, history, intellectual history, philosophy, mathematics, and political science.

The Language Citation recognizes a significant level of achievement in language study. For course selection students should consult the Undergraduate Coordinator as early as possible since not every language course is offered each year. Students who begin language study at the Intermediate level should consult the Undergraduate Coordinator for approval of advanced literature and culture courses that may satisfy the requirements for the Language Citation.

The Language Citation in Hungarian is available to students who complete HUN200Y1 and HUN310Y1 with a grade of at least B-.

Students should note that, as explained in the About Programs of Study section of this Calendar, the Language Citation is not equivalent to an academic program and that enrolment in a program is not necessary in order to earn the recognition bestowed by the Citation.

Note

The Department reserves the right to assign students to courses appropriate to their level of competence in Hungarian.

Hungarian Courses

HUN100Y1 - Elementary Hungarian

Hours: 120P

This course is aimed at students interested in Hungarian but have no prior knowledge of the language. The course emphasizes essential vocabulary, basic comprehension, speaking, reading and writing skills with a balance between communicative activities and grammar practices. Communicative activities will include group and partner work to encourage interactive learning.

Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

HUN200Y1 - Intermediate Hungarian

Hours: 96P

Review of descriptive grammar; studies in syntax; vocabulary building; intensive oral practice; composition; reading and translation.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

HUN310Y1 - Advanced Hungarian

Hours: 48S

This course is intended to build on the skills and knowledge acquired by the students in the previous Hungarian language courses. It will consist of a more advanced study of grammar, more complex vocabulary, higher level of oral skills and longer reading, writing and translation exercises. Communicative activities will include group and partner work to encourage interactive learning.

Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

HUN320Y1 - A Survey of Hungarian Literature

Hours: 48S

A chronological study of the development of Hungarian literature since the 12th century; emphasis both on outstanding writers and on significant movements or themes. Transformations of ideas and changes in language and style. No knowledge of Hungarian required.

Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

HUN335H1 - Urban vs. Rural: Immigration to and Settlement in North America

Hours: 12L/12S

This course will provide an examination of the history of Hungarian Immigration to and settlement in North America. The course will examine the "push" and "pull" factors, the socio-economic factors involved, their patterns of migration and the organizational development of the communities they founded in North America.  The course will compare and contrast the reception the immigrants and later refugees received in the United States and Canada and examine how they adapted to their new homelands.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

HUN345H1 - The Dynamic of Hungarian Culture, Ethnography, and Folklore

Hours: 12L/12S

Explore the cultural traditions, historical processes, myths, and figures that have shaped and redefined Hungarian civilization and national identity. Theoretical and practical classes on ethno-genesis, anthropology, and folklore. Readings in English (also available in Hungarian).

Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

HUN355H1 - One Hundred Years of Dramatic Change: History of the Past Century and Reflections of Society in Hungarian Culture

Hours: 12L/12S

Explore Hungary’s rapidly changing place in Europe. Focus on political, sociological, and historical understandings of nationalism and identity as they manifest themselves in literature, history, and culture. Knowledge of Hungarian not required.

Breadth Requirements: Society and its Institutions (3)

HUN455H1 - Hungary and Europe: Cultural Adaptation in the Late 20th Century

Hours: 12L/12S

Focus on literature, art, mass media, and popular culture in post-1990 Hungary with special emphasis on the past ties to European culture and the impact of European integration. Readings in English (also available in Hungarian).

Breadth Requirements: Creative and Cultural Representations (1)

HUN497Y1 - Independent Study (Hungarian)

Translation course concentrating on Hungarian prose translation. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: Permission of Department

HUN498H1 - Independent Study (Hungarian)

Translation course concentrating on Hungarian prose translation. Not eligible for CR/NCR option.

Prerequisite: Permission of Department

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