International Summer School Programme
Prešov, Slovakia
Summer Course
DURATION
3 weeks
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
EUR 2,200 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* includes tuition, workshops, excursions, cultural events, accommodation and meals
Key Summary
About: The International Summer School Programme at the University of Prešov’s Institute of Rusyn Language and Culture introduces learners to Rusyn language, Carpatho-Rusyn history, literature, culture, and ethnography. Located in eastern Slovakia, UNIPO is the only Slovak university offering full-time B.A. and M.A. programmes in Rusyn language and literature. The Studium summer school suits students (18+), Slavists, linguists, and anyone seeking East Slavic language and cultural studies, helping participants build or strengthen Rusyn language skills, cultural literacy, and research-ready knowledge.
Career Outcomes: Participants can pursue Slavic studies, teaching, research, education, cultural heritage, ethnography, linguistics, journalism, translation, minority-rights advocacy, policy, curation.
The program is hosted by the university‘s Institute of Rusyn Language and Culture. The University of Prešov is the only university in the Slovak Republic offering a full-time academic program in the Rusyn language and literature accredited for both the B.A and M.A. in Rusyn Language and Literature.
The Studium summer school is intended for those interested in studying the Rusyn language and the history of the Carpatho-Rusyns, including high school (18 and over) and college students, as well as Slavists and anyone who wishes to broaden their knowledge of East Slavic language, history, and culture. Participants can expect to acquire a familiarity with or strengthen their competency in the Rusyn language, as well as gain an understanding of Carpatho-Rusyn history, culture, literature, and ethnography.
The Studium Carpatho-Ruthenorum is held on the campus of the University of Prešov, at 17th of November Street, №1 (ulica 17. Novembra, č. 1), with the dormitory, cafeteria, and classroom building all located in close proximity. Instruction is provided by university professors, distinguished Slavists, and specialists in Carpatho-Rusyn studies from Slovakia, Ukraine, the United States, and Canada. The language of instruction, in parallel courses, is either Rusyn or English.
The overall instructional process includes:
- 30 hours of Carpatho-Rusyn language,
- 20 hours of Carpatho-Rusyn history,
- 10 hours of Carpatho-Rusyn ethnography,
- 6 hours of Carpatho-Rusyn literature,
- additional conversational practice in informal settings, small groups, and real-life situations outside the university classrooms (as scheduled in the program).
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive an official certificate from the Studium. Academic transcripts are also available upon request for students intending to transfer credits to their home universities.
Carpatho-Rusyn History
The history lecture series focuses on Carpathian Rus’ and the Carpatho-Rusyns worldwide from the earliest times to the present. Lecturers include Professor Dr Paul Robert Magocsi, University of Toronto, and Assoc. Prof. Volodymyr Fenych, Uzhhorod National University, Ukraine.
Rusyn Language
The Rusyn language is offered for beginners, for students who have some knowledge of Russian, Ukrainian, or another Slavic language, and for native speakers of Rusyn. These classes are intended to help participants acquire an understanding of the theoretical linguistic aspects of the Rusyn language, as well as to develop proficiency in the spoken and written language. Lecturers include Assoc. Prof. Dr Kvetoslava Koporová, University of Prešov, and Dr Nathan Marks, University of Oklahoma.
Carpatho-Rusyn Ethnography
The course in Carpatho-Rusyn ethnography is taught in English by Mgr. Katarína Babčáková, PhD., National Centre of Culture and Further Education, Slovakia, and in Rusyn by Mgr. Timotej Fedor, Slovak National Museum - Museum of Rusyn Culture, covers selected topics in folklore and ethnography.
Lectures on Carpatho-Rusyn Literature
The lectures in English present a new perspective on the past and present of Carpatho-Rusyn literature. The lecturer is Assoc. Prof. Dr Nicholas Kupensky, United States Air Force Academy. The lecturer in Rusyn is Assoc. Prof. Dr Valerii Padiak, University of Prešov.
Extracurricular Activities
The following activities take place outside of class and include:
- presentations on Rusyn traditions, folklore, and the socio-cultural life of Carpatho-Rusyns in Slovakia;
- presentations on Rusyn folk architecture and culture, including visits to museums, skanzens, and wooden churches, and excursions in the Prešov Region of northeastern Slovakia, where Carpatho-Rusyns reside and abroad;
- visits to the Alexander Dukhnovych Theater and film viewings;
- pysankŷ (wax resist egg decorating), folksong and dance workshops;
- participation in the teaching process in a Rusyn elementary school.
Participants will gain fundamental and specialised knowledge of the Carpatho-Rusyn language, culture, and history. They will develop linguistic competence according to their chosen level and acquire interdisciplinary insight into the life, traditions, and cultural heritage of the Carpatho-Rusyn people. They will be able to critically understand and interpret minority identity issues, heritage preservation, and cultural diversity in East Central Europe.
Knowledge acquired:
- Theories and terminology related to Carpatho-Rusyn studies
- History of the Carpatho-Rusyns
- Carpatho-Rusyn literature and cultural heritage
- Minority identity, language preservation, and sociolinguistics
- Ethnographic and cultural traditions of the Carpathian region
Skills acquired:
- Basic or advanced use of the Carpatho-Rusyn language (depending on level)
- Identification of cultural, historical, and social phenomena related to Rusyn communities
- Interpretation of texts and cultural materials from an intercultural perspective
- Ability to collect and use academic and ethnographic data
Competences acquired:
- Intercultural communication and cultural sensitivity
- Awareness of minority rights and cultural diversity in Central and Eastern Europe
- Critical thinking about identity, language, and cultural heritage issues
- Initiative in fostering cultural understanding and heritage preservation
- Networking and collaboration with scholars and community representatives
Participants of the Studium Carpatho-Ruthenorum will enrich their academic and professional profiles with specialised knowledge of the Carpatho-Rusyn language, culture, and history.
The programme is particularly beneficial for students and professionals in fields such as Slavic studies, cultural studies, ethnology, linguistics, journalism, education, and heritage management.
The knowledge and skills gained may support future academic research, cultural projects, teaching activities, or work related to cultural diversity, minority rights, and heritage preservation.