Required for the Russian studies major
- First-year Russian: 101, 102, 201 (or the equivalent)
- Second-year Russian: 211, 212, 250
- Two courses in Russian literature taught in translation, level 300 or above.
- Two courses in Russian literature, taught in the original, level 300 or above.
- A senior-level independent study that results in the completion of a substantial research paper. Students would be required to analyze some work or works of Russian literature, to be read in the original.
In addition to the requirements listed above, majors are strongly encouraged to further strengthen their Russian language skills by studying in Russia and/or in an intensive summer language program offered in the U.S.
Students with prior background in Russian who place out of the first-year sequence are required to complete additional language study for the major.
Required for the Russian language and literature major
- First-year Russian: 101, 102, 201 (or the equivalent)
- Second-year Russian: 211, 212, 250
- Any two courses selected from Russian 300, 305, 309; History 315, 320, 325; Government 330
- C average in the minor
Required for the Russian minor
After two years of language study on campus, majors are strongly encouraged to spend a
term studying in Russia. Study abroad provides an unparalleled opportunity to make gains
in language proficiency and to become familiar with Russian life and culture.
During Terms I, II, and/or III — as well as during the summer — students may participate
in other programs sponsored by such organizations as the Council on International
Educational Exchange (CIEE) and the American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR).
Students are also encouraged to participate in intensive summer language programs
offered in the United States, especially immediately prior to spending a fall term in Russia.
International and off-campus study
The Russian Department’s Senior Experience consists of a senior-level independent study
that further develops work done in another course.
The independent study is intended to help students prepare their capstone project, normally
a research paper that makes use of some Russian-language source material. In addition,
students will submit a portfolio in the second week of their final term. The portfolio consists
of a list of courses and brief statement in which students evaluate their development as
Russian majors.
In addition to a copy of the capstone project and the Russian language portfolio, the senior
portfolio should contain four course papers, including at least one from a history course
and one from a literature course. The complete portfolio will be reviewed and approved or
returned for revisions before the end of the term.
Students who are pursuing a double major or teaching certification should work with all
concerned departments to assess the feasibility of an interdisciplinary capstone.
