Old Rees

European and Russian Studies Master’s Requirements
2005-2006

Fields of Study

Comparative literature; economics; history; political science; law; Slavic languages and literatures; sociology.

Graduate Faculty

30 from various departments participating in program.

Special Requirements for the M.A. Degree

When applying to the program, students will specify as an area of primary concentration either (1) Russia and Eastern Europe, or (2) Central and Western Europe. Those wishing to focus on Russia and Eastern Europe will need to demonstrate knowledge of Russian or an Eastern European language; those focusing on Central and Western Europe will need to demonstrate knowledge of one of the appropriate languages. All students must complete sixteen term courses (or their equivalent) in the various fields related to European and Russian studies. Students are required to take courses in at least three of the major disciplines relevant to the program (history, literature, social sciences, and law). One of the sixteen term courses may be taken for audit. For students focusing on Russia and Eastern Europe, two of the sixteen required courses (excluding language courses) must concern the nations of Central and Western Europe. For those focusing on Central and Western Europe, two courses must concern Russia and Eastern Europe. Students may substitute a yearlong course of language study for two terms of graduate course work. Under this option the language course may not be taken for audit. Students with previous language preparation may in certain cases receive credit for this work. In all cases, students are required to pass examinations in two European languages (one of which may be Russian) by the end of the third term at Yale. Students with Russian competence must receive the grade of 1+ or higher on the ACTFL/ETS Rating Scale as administered by the Slavic Languages and Literatures department at Yale, including reading, oral, and grammar portions. Students with competence in an East European language (such as Polish, Czech, Ukrainian, Hungarian, and others by special arrangement) or other European languages must take Yale department-administered examinations. A joint degree is available with the School of Management. Interested students must apply separately to the School of Management as well as to European Studies for a joint degree.

The Master’s Thesis

The master’s thesis is based on research in a topic approved by the director of graduate studies and advised by a faculty member with specialized competence in the chosen topic. The thesis is normally written in conjunction with E&RS 950.

For application information, procedures and deadlines, please visit the Office of Graduate School Admissions web site.