Secondary Field in Regional Studies: Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia (REECA)

Overview
The REECA secondary field is open to Harvard undergraduates who wish to do interdisciplinary work on the history and society of this world region. While the field may include the study of language, literature, and culture, the primary emphasis is on the social sciences, including history.

The requirements are designed with sufficient flexibility so that students may pursue the field as an introduction to the region as a whole, or as a more narrowly-focused exploration of a particular country or theme, depending on their interests. View sample courses of study.

Requirements: Five Approved Half-Courses

1. A minimum of three half-courses must be in the social sciences (e.g., anthropology, economics, government, history).

2. A minimum of three half-courses must be taught by members of the Faculty of the Standing Committee on Regional Studies-REECA, or by faculty members appearing in the Courses of Instruction list "Other Faculty Offering Instruction in Regional Studies-REECA."

3. A minimum of three half-courses must be regular departmental courses (i.e. not Core courses, Freshman Seminars, or House Seminars).

4. The five half-courses must be distributed across at least two different disciplines or departments.

5. Students pursuing a foreign language citation in a relevant language may count one upper-level language course towards the secondary field.

View list of area related courses.

Other Information
All courses must be taken for a letter grade and must be completed with a grade of B- or above, with the exception of Freshman Seminars, which may be applied toward the field with a grade of SAT. Credit for courses from Harvard Summer School and other Harvard faculties may be granted upon petition. Study abroad in the region is encouraged, and one half-course of study abroad credit may be applied toward the field with prior approval of the REECA academic advisor.

Advising Resources
Lisbeth L. Tarlow, Davis Center associate director and REECA academic advisor, is available to advise students on the program and course selection, referring students to individual faculty as needed. Donna Griesenbeck, Davis Center student programs officer, administers the secondary field and is also available to provide general information. Students are encouraged to register their interest with the REECA office so they can begin the advising process and be added to Davis Center mailing lists.

Contact: Lisbeth L. Tarlow, tarlow@fas.harvard.edu, 617.495.2124
Donna Griesenbeck, griesenb@fas.harvard.edu, 617.495.1194