The primary goal of the East-Central European Studies (ECU) area of specialization and the East-Central European Studies Program (ECES) at UF is to provide an organizational center for all those across the campus with an interest in researching, teaching, and learning about the East-Central European region.

This region includes the new member states of the European Union, as well as the broader region (former Soviet Union and Soviet satellite states). This is a very dynamic region of the world and one that exemplifies the benefits and risks associated with rapid democratization. The membership of several countries from the region in the European Union, the importance of others for relations with Russia, including energy trade, as well as the significant transatlantic ties that exist between the USA and many of these countries all underscore the centrality of the region in the global arena. Because of the recent character of the transition to democratic political practices and free market economies in these countries as well as the inherent instability of this process of transformation there are comparatively few students with significant relevant training. As a result, students with an expertise in the culture, history, politics and languages of the region will be competitive for employment across a number of fields including economic consulting, international risk analysis, legal consulting, international trade within a variety of different types of firms and employers such as international businesses, journalism, government agencies, NGOs etc. For career information visit the UF Career Connections Center.

Requirements

Students are required to have a minimum of four classes totaling 12 hours from the 3000-4000 level courses listed below and maintain a minimum 2.0 area of specialization GPA. Be sure to check course prerequisite requirements. At least one of the required courses is offered per semester; a wide array of core (language) and enhanced courses are offered every semester. There are significant reading assignments in all courses and in general the expectation of some form of written paper or exam. Visit the Undergraduate Catalog Courses page to find more details for each course.

One of the following courses is required:

And:

Please see ECES website for the complete list of courses.

Contact Information

You are always welcome to meet with an advisor in the Heavener School of Business, however, advising specifically related to East-Central European Studies is also available through the Center for European Studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. For registration, scheduling, and area-specific questions, please contact:

Corinne Tomasi
352-294-7144
3324 Turlington Hall

Minor and Certificate Option

A minor and a certificate are available in this area of specialization. There is an additional one-semester East-Central European language requirement for the certificate and two semesters of language study is required for the minor. You can find out more about the minor and certificate on the ECES website.