Slovak Language and Literature
Study of the Slovak language and Slovak literature has a long tradition at the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University, dating back to the establishment of the Faculty in 1921. Important personalities who have taught in this field in the past include literary scholars and writers Jozef Škultéty, Albert Pražák, Milan Pišút, Andrej Mráz, Ján Števček, Milan Rúfus and important linguists Ľudovít Novák, Ján Stanislav, Eugen Pauliny, Jozef Mistrík and others.
The implementation of the study programme is provided by the Department of Slovak Language and Theory of Communication and the Department of Slovak Literature and Literary Studies. This field of study can be studied in a teacher training programme in combination with another field of study and a separate single-disciplinary programme.
CONTENT AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STUDY
The study content is divided into language and literature:
1. The content of the linguistic part of the study consists of subjects focused on the structure, regularities, methods and conditions of the functioning of the Slovak language in its present form and its historical development, on the relations of the Slovak language to Slavic and non-Slavic languages (fundamentals of linguistics and linguistic thinking, orthoepy and orthography, Slovak grammar, pragmatic lexicology, sociolinguistics, linguistic culture and theory of the written language, development of the Slovak language and dialectology, history of written Slovak, general linguistics and the basics of one (selected) Slavic language (students have the choice of the following languages – Bulgarian, Croatian, Polish, Russian, Slovene, Serbian).
2. The content of the literary part of the study consists of subjects aimed at acquiring knowledge of the history of Slovak literature from its beginnings up to the end of the 19th century, at acquiring literary-theoretical knowledge, knowledge of the contextual connections of Slovak literature with world and Czech literature, and knowledge of the interpretation of a literary text (the theory of literature, the history of Slovak literature from the 9th – 18th century, the history of Slovak literature in the 19th century, drama theory).
These fundamental courses are complemented by a set of practically oriented compulsory electives and elective courses, which students choose according to their own interest (extension of practical courses on basic linguistic disciplines (grammar, lexicology, dialectology), text-based seminars on the history of Slovak literature, and seminars focused on the interpretation of literary texts, Czech literature, literary criticism, historiography and editing). <s></s>
The study is completed by the state final examination – defence of the Bachelor’s thesis.
BASIC STUDY PREREQUISITES AND REQUIREMENTS
An applicant is expected to have at least a B2 level of Slovak, the ability to perceive language and literature as part of a broader cultural, social and historical context, a general cultural outlook, and the ability to think critically and independently. The recommended profile subjects from secondary school which are a good basis for studying in this study programme are Slovak language and literature, art and culture/aesthetics/art history, social studies/civic studies and history.
GRADUATES’ EMPLOYMENT
A graduate of the Bachelor’s degree study in Slovak language and literature is able to work independently, to apply the acquired linguistic and literary knowledge in various activities in the sphere of art and culture, to work with professional literature and sources and to formulate his/her own conclusions and participate in the processing of preparing dictionaries and encyclopaedias. He/she will gain communication and interpretation skills, the ability to think confrontationally about linguistic phenomena and proficiency in oral and written expression.
A graduate of the Bachelor’s degree study may be employed as a worker in various cultural and social institutions, where cultivated linguistic expression is required, as a proofreader, or may continue his/her study at the Master’s degree level according to the established rules for admission to the Master’s degree study.
After obtaining a full university education in this field, the graduate can work as a scientific researcher in the field of linguistics and literary science, an editor in publishing houses and the editorial offices of newspapers and magazines, an author or presenter of cultural programmes (television, radio and others), an employee of advertising, happening and other agencies, as a spokesperson and assistant in the corporate environment, in state and public administration and also as a lecturer of Slovak language for foreigners. Outstanding graduates may apply for doctoral study.
ENTRANCE EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
In the following academic year, applicants will be admitted to the Slovak Language and Literature study programme on the basis of a general aptitude test as part of the National Comparative Exam provided by www.scio.cz, s. r. o. Applicants to the Slovak Language and Literature programme (single-disciplinary study) who have taken part in the Slovak Language and Literature Olympiad competitions at national level and came 1st, 2nd or 3rd do not have to take the general aptitude test of the National Comparative Exam.