Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian

The cultures of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia have a great deal to offer students across disciplines and majors. For those interested in cultural studies, there is the cinematic opus of globally acclaimed directors, such as Dušan Makavejev, Emir Kusturica, Dalibor Matanić, Jasmila Žbanić and others. There is also a rich literary tradition spanning continents in the works of Miroslav Krleža, Danilo Kiš, Dubravka Ugrešić, and Aleksandar Hemon among others. For those interested in social sciences, there is a compelling history of falling empires, nationalist movements, and state socialism that have shaped not only the Balkans but also the world.

Unique to UNC

Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS) is the only South Slavic language offered at Carolina and anywhere in the Southeastern United States. Considered a less commonly taught language, BCMS is offered at the beginner to advanced level at UNC. Language instruction is supplemented by area studies courses in political science, history, and Slavic studies. In addition, the UNC Forum on Southeast Europe provides opportunities for students to learn from and interact with experts who specialize in the politics, economies, and societies of Southeast Europe.

Study Abroad

UNC offers two in-house, faculty-led programs in Southeast Europe: The Burch Field Research Seminar on Conflict Resolution and Democracy Building in the Balkans and the UNC Economics in Croatia summer program. In addition, students can study in the region through the American Council’s Balkan Language Initiative. Funding for summer language study abroad is available through the UNC Center for Slavic, Eurasian and East European Studies and the UNC Center for European Studies. Extramural funding is available through Boren Awards and Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program.

Language & Career

Did you know that bilingual employees on average collect higher earnings? Research has shown that people who speak more than one language earn 5-20% more than monolinguals. Employees with multiple languages under their belts can nurture international business relations and expand the intellectual horizons of a workplace. UNC graduates have applied their BCS language and area studies training to successful careers in foreign service, education, business, and the military

Instructors

Dr. Adnan Džumhur, Professor of the Practice of Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian (dzumhur@email.unc.edu)