The Certificate in East Central European Languages, Literature, and Cultures no longer admits new students after Summer 2023 and the program will be discontinued Fall 2027. Students already admitted may only complete and be awarded this certificate through Summer 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the department (see contact box).

Please see the Slavic Studies Certificate instead.

Explore the crossroads of Europe with courses designed to give you the linguistic-cultural skills for successful academic, business, political, diplomatic, and analytical careers centered on the continent’s most economically dynamic, strategically important, and culturally rich region. Discover the world that has survived the horrors of two world wars, given birth to some of the most powerful dissident movements in modern history, and inspired the world with its art, film, literature, and political thought. 

Are you fascinated with East Central Europe? Do you want to learn Polish or Czech? Do you want to hear more about the professional opportunities that study of the region can offer you? The Certificate in East Central European Languages, Literatures, and Cultures is your gateway!   

• Excellent study abroad and scholarship opportunities; 
• A rich set of course offerings that includes language instruction, as well as theme-based classes on topics such as popular culture and cultural history, (post-)communism, the immigrant experience in America, dissidence, film, the politics of laughter, and science fiction.

How to Get in

The Certificate in East Central European Languages, Literature, and Cultures no longer admits new students after Summer 2023 and the program will be discontinued Fall 2027. Students already admitted may only complete and be awarded this certificate through Summer 2027. If you have any questions, please contact the department (see contact box).

Requirements

In order to receive the certificate in East Central European languages, literature, and cultures, students are required to complete a minimum of 15 credits total.

¹

Students can satisfy this requirement by completing any two courses in Polish language beyond the second semester, including: SLAVIC 207 Third Semester Polish, SLAVIC 208 Fourth Semester Polish, SLAVIC 277 Third Year Polish I, SLAVIC 278 Third Year Polish II, SLAVIC 331 Fourth Year Polish I, and SLAVIC 332 Fourth Year Polish II.

Residence and Quality of Work

• At least 8 credits must be earned in residence.
• Students must earn a cumulative 2.000 GPA on required certificate coursework.

Certificate Completion Requirement

This undergraduate certificate must be completed concurrently with the student’s undergraduate degree. Students cannot delay degree completion to complete the certificate.

Learning Outcomes

1. Minimally acquire intermediate proficiency in an East Central European Language (Czech, Polish, or SerboCroatian).
2. Develop and apply writing skills and oral communications skills appropriate to Liberal Arts education in the context of Slavic studies to the literatures and cultures of the region.
3. Develop and apply critical-thinking skills inherent in the Liberal Arts tradition to the literature and culture of the region.
4. Analyze and interpret cultural products of the region (i.e. works of literature, films, etc.) in themselves and in the context of specific historical and cultural conditions.

Advising and Careers

Language placement tests are advised for any student with previous knowledge or experience with Polish or Czech. The test consists of a one-on-one appointment with a professor, with written, oral, and reading comprehension components. Placement Advisors for the languages represented by the certificate are:

• David Danaher (dsdanaher@wisc.edu) for Czech
• Łukasz Wodzyński (lukasz.wodzynski@wisc.edu) for Polish

For other undergraduate questions or to declare the certificate, please contact the undergraduate advisor.

Study Abroad

Learning in Letters & Science emphasizes discovery, growth, understanding different perspectives, and challenging yourself, which makes studying abroad an excellent fit for many L&S students: studyabroad.wisc.edu

As a university with global influence, we have more than 300 study abroad programs in over 80 countries. These vary in length, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and level of independence. There are many programs to complement every major and any year of college (including the final semester)—and all meet UW–Madison’s high academic standards. Students admitted into Letters & Science can even choose a short program in the summer before they start college or their whole first year: studyabroad.wisc.edu/launch. Talk with your academic advisor about how studying abroad might fit with your academic plan.

SuccessWorks

SuccessWorks at the College of Letters & Science helps you turn the academic skills learned in your classes into a fulfilling life, guiding you every step of the way to securing jobs, internships, or admission to graduate school.

Through one-on-one career advising, events, and resources, you can explore career options, build valuable internship and research experience, and connect with supportive alumni and employers who open doors of opportunity.

• What you can do with your major  (Major Skills & Outcomes Sheets)
• Make a career advising appointment
• Learn about internships and internship funding
• Try “Jobs, Internships, & How to Get Them,” an interactive guide in Canvas for enrolled UW–Madison students