How do we define Eastern Europe? "Eastern Europe" refers to an area without clear boundaries that includes countries in the eastern part of the European Union as well as Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, along with other countries in the Balkans (such as Serbia and Bosnia) or in the Caucasus. These often quite distinct regions are connected by common cultural traditions and historical experiences (such as the communism of the twentieth century). In many parts of Eastern Europe, at least one Slavic language is spoken, with many regions characterized by a long history of cultural diversity. Although this area has always been part of European culture, there is still a lot for the "West" to discover here.

The Bachelor curriculum for Eastern European Cultures covers the cultures, literatures, and languages of the region, especially of the Slavic-speaking countries, while also considering the close relations between Eastern and Western Europe. One special focus in Basel is film, along with the opportunity to attend courses specific to Eastern Europe in the fields of art, economics, and social sciences. Along with Russian, a second (or even third) Slavic language can be learned. The students can establish their own regional and historical focuses and extend what they have learned through university excursions to the region.

The Bachelor curriculum in Eastern European Cultures is offered by the Slavic subject area in cooperation with the Chair in Eastern European History, supplemented by appropriate courses in Art History, Economics, and Social Sciences.

The historical focus of Eastern European Studies in Basel is from the 19th to the 21st century. Geographically, all three of the large Eastern European regions (Russia/Soviet Union; Eastern Central Europe; Southeastern Europe) are covered, with a focus on Russian culture. After introductory courses that offer an overview of each region, along with the methodological and theoretical foundations of the participating subject areas, students can choose their own regional and thematic emphases and extend what they have learned through excursions and exchanges in the region.

Basel has a special emphasis on film. After an introduction to film studies, the students can continue to develop their knowledge of the field with courses and events on Eastern European cinema. Further, practical seminars on theater are offered that lead to the production of a play in Russian.

As for language acquisition, Russian is required for all students, and learning a second Eastern European language is recommended. Along with Russian, the Slavic Seminar offers courses in Czech, Polish, and Croatian/Serbian.

The subject area Eastern European Cultures has four parts:

1. Acquisition of the Russian language

2. Basic knowledge of Eastern Europe

3. The core field of Cultural Studies with the three modules of Slavic Literature, Slavic Linguistics, and Visual Media in Eastern Europe. Students may choose to take only one of the latter two.

4. A further field from one of four modules: Art in Eastern Europe, Society in Eastern Europe, Economics in Eastern Europe, or a second Slavic language (Czech, Polish, or Croatian/Serbian).

Students can get credit as electives for courses in modules they have not chosen.