Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, Serbian (BCMS)
Why Study BCMS?
Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, Serbian (BCMS)—formerly known as Serbo-Croatian—are taught together at KU. Although they have all become official languages of their independent states, they remain understandable among each other. If you learn one of them, you can communicate with nearly 20 million people in four countries of the western Balkans—the Republics of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia. A large number of speakers of these languages also live in diaspora in the U.S., with large communities in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit, or St. Louis. Kansas City is also home to a sizeable diaspora, particularly of Croats, with its historic center on Strawberry Hill.
It is a well-kept secret that some of the world's most beautiful beaches are to be found in Croatia and Montenegro. The hinterland fascinates visitors with the confluence of Byzantine, Roman, and Muslim civilizations. Lovers of art, music, archaeology, architecture, film, history, folklore, sports, or good food will find the countries of the former Yugoslavia filled with unique treasures. Although some may still think of war when they think of the former Yugoslavia, the Bosnians, Croats, Montenegrins, and Serbs are in fact passionate and easygoing southern Europeans, with a good sense of humor and a penchant for living life fully.
Career Possibilities
Career opportunities connected with BCMS are numerous and so far demand for employees with knowledge of the language(s) has greatly exceeded supply. Possible career paths with this language include commerce, academia, intelligence, security, tourism, NGOs, journalism, diplomacy, and foreign service.
Studying BCMS at KU
KU is the only place in the U.S. between the West Coast and the Mississippi River where one can study Bosnian, Croatian, Montenegrin, and Serbian from the beginning to the advanced levels. We offer a wide range of language and content courses to accommodate students with a variety of interests and needs. Students who complete a regular two-year language sequence satisfy their language requirement. If they continue their study, they can minor, major, or earn an MA in South Slavic languages and cultures. For those who just want to learn basics of the language, there is a beginning online course, while heritage speakers and students who want to develop specialized language skills for research or professional use often work with instructors individually.
The first thing any student must do is to study the catalog well, especially those pages concerning general education requirements for the B.A. degree, and those dealing with Departmental requirements, in the most current University of Kansas Undergraduate Catalog. Note, however, that regulations sometimes change even after the catalog has gone to print, so please check with the Undergraduate Advisor about current regulations.
