Bachelor of Arts in Russian Language and Literature

The major in Russian is designed to provide students with a solid working capability in the language as well as a familiarity with the literature and, more broadly, the culture of Russia. In addition, every major, in consultation with an advisor, will choose a set of electives that will result in a concentration on one of these three areas: language, culture, or literature. Alternatively, those wishing to take courses related to Russia in such disciplines as History, Government, or Economics should consider the Russian Area Studies Major. The Major in Russian: Requirements: RUSS 29; one course in the sequence 41–42–43; RUSS 71; two courses in the 30s which must include RUSS 31; and one culture course (numbered 10 though 19). In addition, majors must take four additional courses, for a total of 10. Those concentrating on language would select at least some of these four courses from the forties; those focusing in culture would select additional courses in the teens; and those interested primarily in literature would design a major with an emphasis on courses in the thirties. Two courses from the LSA+ may be counted toward the major and counted as a culture course. The culminating experience requirement must be satisfied by completing RUSS 71 or RUSS 86. In addition, those writing an honors thesis will enroll in RUSS 87, and may also take RUSS 85 as part of their preparation for the thesis. The Major in Russian Area Studies: Requirements: A total of ten courses, which must include RUSS 27, RUSS 28, and RUSS 31. Of the remaining seven courses, at least two must be in Russian and one course must fulfill the culminating experience. The Area Studies Major will include courses both from within the Russian Department and from such departments as History, Government, Economics, and Music that, together, provide a cogent study of one or more topics with a focus on the region. The major should be planned in consultation with an adviser and the courses outside the department need to be approved by the chair. For the culminating experience, students must write a thesis (RUSS 87), take RUSS 86, or, with the approval of the Department faculty, designate a course in the Russian Department or another department that will serve to satisfy the requirement.