Interest in Slavic Studies, particularly research into the literature of southern and western Slavs, appeared in Russia in the first half of the 19th century and was conditional on a range of historical and social factors, such as foreign policy conflicts with Turkey and the Habsburg monarchy, and Slav national liberation movements and the public reactions to them. An important role in the establishment of Slavic Studies at Moscow University was played by both the development of Russian university study and the strengthening of cultural ties between Slavic nations. The origins date back to 1811, when a chair of Slavic languages was established. Today, students of Slavic Studies at Moscow University, alongside whichever Slavic language they study, also learn about the history of the literature in that language.
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