Teaching of Slovak Language and Literature
Field of Study: teacher training and education science
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. Significant 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 study programme in combination with another field of study and in 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, patterns, methods and conditions of the functioning of the Slovak language in its present form and its historical development, on the relations of Slovak to Slavic and non-Slavic languages (basics of linguistics, Slovak grammar, lexicology of Slovak, sociolinguistics and basics of dialectology, history of the written Slovak language).
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 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).
These fundamental courses are complemented by a set of practically oriented compulsory electives and elective courses, which students choose according to their own interest (expanding of practical courses on basic linguistic disciplines (grammar, lexicology), the development of the Slovak language and dialects, linguistic culture, orthoepy and orthography, text-based seminars on the history of Slovak literature, and seminars focused on the interpretation of literary texts and Czech literature).
The study of Slovak language and literature in teaching combinations also includes subjects of general didactic, psychological and pedagogical orientation, didactics of the Slovak language and Slovak literature (at the Master’s degree level).
The study is completed by the state final examination – a defence of a 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 school practice, in various activities in the field of art and culture, to work with professional literature and sources and to formulate his/her own conclusions. He/she acquires interpretive skills, communication skills and proficiency in oral and written expression.
Graduates of the Bachelor’s degree study may work as teaching assistants or as workers in various cultural and social institutions where cultivated linguistic expression is required, or they may continue their study at the Master’s degree level, either in their teaching combined programme, or they may specialise in a separate single-disciplinary Master’s degree programme in Slovak language and literature according to the established rules of the admission procedure for the Master’s degree programme.
After obtaining a full university education in this field, the graduate can work as a teacher of Slovak language and literature at all school levels, an academic researcher, 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, an assistant in the corporate environment, in state and public administration. Outstanding graduates may apply for doctoral study.
ENTRANCE EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants will be admitted to all teaching programmes on the basis of a general aptitude test as part of the National Comparative Exam, which is provided by www.scio.cz, s. r. o.