Course summary

The 20th century witnessed dramatic changes in the fortunes of the countries of Central & Eastern Europe. War, revolution and widespread social & economic change resulted in a tumultuous period in the history of the region. The collapse of communism unleashed a process of profound social change that continues today in the rise of populism in Central and South-East Europe, the Russo-Ukrainian war and instability in the Caucasus & Central Asia. From the Baltic to the Balkans and from Berlin to Vladivostok, we chart the key issues in this crucial area. You will explore all aspects of literature in English from early modern to postmodern, benefiting from our expertise in a wide range of areas, including American, Irish & postcolonial literatures, critical theory, creative writing, and the relationship between literature and other arts, media & science. Why study this course at the University of Glasgow? You will gain valuable insights into issues of global importance. Recent events, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war – the largest conflict in Europe since the Second World War – have underscored the necessity of understanding the region not just for regional security, but also for wider European and global security. For over 75 years, Central & East European Studies at the University of Glasgow has been at the forefront of theoretically-informed, methodologically-rigorous, and practically-relevant research relating to the countries of the Baltic States, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central & Eastern Europe, Russia and Eurasia. The University hosts the Centre for Russian, Central & East European Studies which is a national hub for scholars studying the region. It is home to the prestigious Europe-Asia Studies journal and the University’s Russian and East European library has a large and well-established collection. It is not compulsory but you may wish to study one of the following languages: Czech, Polish, Russian, or Ukrainian. You will benefit from access to the University’s world-class Hunterian collection and the Library’s Special Collections, with strengths in the 18th and 19th centuries, travel, illuminated manuscripts and significant single-author holdings. Career Prospects? Graduates have developed careers in the European Commission, the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, the Scottish Government, UK Department for Business & Trade, government ministries across Europe, government embassies, international development & non-governmental organisations, journalism, education, cultural industries, banks and the business community. The eastward enlargement of the EU and NATO, as well as ongoing developments in Russia, Ukraine, the other former Soviet states and the Balkans, mean there is a high demand for specialists in the field. A degree in English Literature is highly respected in the current job market, not just by employers in the arts, education and media sectors but also in public relations, finance, business and technology. This is because graduates in English Literature possess valuable skills for the future, such as argumentation, cognitive flexibility, coordinating with others, creativity and critical analysis and we work hard, with the support of our careers support advisers, to prepare our students for a wide range of future employment.