History and East European Cultural Studies, BA (Hons)

This degree programme integrates history with a focus on Eastern Europe, particularly the vibrant cultures of Russia and South East Europe. Students select from a wide range of history modules, including Russian and Eastern European topics, while exploring the societies, histories, politics, and cultures of the region from the Byzantine era to the 21st century. Beginning with introductory modules, studies progress to specialized options in literature, cinema, popular culture, and history, with opportunities to learn Russian or Serbian/Croatian at beginner's level. The programme emphasizes critical skills in research and analysis, providing expertise relevant to international diplomacy and business.Throughout the course, time is equally divided between History and Russian and Slavonic Studies departments. In the first year, students take a core history module and introductory East European options. Subsequent years offer diverse choices in history and cultural studies, culminating in the final year with specialized modules and the option to write a dissertation.

Throughout your course you will split your study time equally between modules taught by the Department of History and the Department of Russian and Slavonic Studies. In year one you take the core module Learning History which introduces you to the skills and methodologies of historical research, together with a choice of modules from the early medieval period to the 20th century. In East European Cultural Studies, you will choose from a range of optional modules introducing the history and culture of Russia, the Soviet Union, and the Balkan region. You may also choose to begin learning Russian or Serbian/Croatian. In year two you will be able to choose from a wide array of optional history modules, covering an extremely wide chronological and geographical range. In East European Cultural Studies the range of options at this level includes a broad coverage of cultural studies, literature and history. You will also be able to start or continue with the study of Russian or Serbian/Croatian. In your final year you will select a Special Subject in history as well as choosing from a wide range of specialist optional modules. In East European Cultural Studies you will be encouraged to specialise in subjects of particular interest to you, including the option to write a dissertation under specialist supervision.