Russian Studies Major Requirements
101 & 102. Elementary Russian I & II 1 course unit each
An introduction to basic grammar and vocabulary of, as well as communication skills in Russian within its cultural contexts. Students will use a variety of authentic text and media resources to acquire and enhance linguistic skills. The first semester is designed for students with no knowledge of, or with a weak background in Russian, the second—for students with limited, but residual previous exposure to Russian. Assignment by placement test. Four class hours per week plus LC Commons assignments.
203 & 204. Intermediate Russian I & II 1 course unit each
An accelerated review of basic Russian grammar through speaking, reading, writing and other linguistically appropriate activities. The introduction of more advance grammatical structures and a variety of authentic text and multimedia resources will enhance the students’ linguistic skills and sociocultural awareness of the Russian speaking world. The development of functional skills and communicative ability is emphasized. Students also acquire the linguistic tools needed to continue learning Russian as it pertains to their fields of interest. Assignment by placement test. Three class hours per week plus LC Commons assignments.
301, 302. Russian Conversation & Composition
Students watch and discuss feature films produced in Russia. Extensive practice in the development of conversational and writing skills based on the analysis and synthesis of cultural information from a variety of authentic sources, including texts, film, newscasts, and TV. Increased acquisition of vocabulary, expansion of listening comprehension, stylistic analysis of contemporary film texts. Prerequisite: RUS 204 Intermediate Russian II Meets general academic requirement W when offered as 302.
303, 304. Advanced Russian Conversation & Composition
Students watch and discuss feature films produced in Russia. Advanced practice in the development of conversational and writing skills. In-depth study of idiomatic expressions and advanced lexical and stylistic analysis of contemporary literature and film. Prerequisite: RUS 301, 302 Russian Conversation & Composition Meets general academic requirement W when offered as 304.
305, 306. Readings in Russian Literature
An introduction to Russian literature from Pushkin to the present with emphasis on developing the students’ command of language skills. Selected readings in Russian will include poetry, prose, and drama. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: RUS 204 Intermediate Russian II Meets general academic requirement L (and W which applies to 306 only).
320, 321. Russian Culture & Civilization
An examination of distinguished works of painting, architecture, sculpture, music, theatre, and film from the early eighteenth to the late twentieth century. An analysis of elements of style and intellectual thought underlying the development of the work of art in its cultural and historical contexts. Through a study of the works of Russia’s great creative minds, students will develop familiarity with various styles of artistic expression, including neo-classicism, romanticism, realism, avant-garde, and socialist realism. There will be field trips to art exhibits and guest speakers in class. Offered in alternate years. Taught in English. Meets general academic requirement A (and W which applies to 321 only).
402. Twentieth Century Russian Literature in Translation
Students study the works of Bunin, Sholokhov, Pasternak, Solzhenitsyn, and Brodsky, the Russian Nobel Prize winners in literature. Short stories, novels, poems, as well as literary criticism from 1917 to the present will be analyzed and discussed. Meets general academic requirement L.
970. Russian Independent Study/Research
Selected research topics in Russian Studies. An independent study in which the student pursues a major research project and composes a substantial research paper under the supervision of department faculty. Open only to seniors
PSC 234 or 235. Government & Politics of Russia
The course evaluates in-depth the contemporary political, economic, and social changes in post-Soviet Russia. Students will analyze the challenges facing Russia’s transition to markets and democracy. We will look at how the legacy of the Soviet experience impacts the democratization and marketization processes in Russia today. Students will also study and evaluate the efficacy and viability of the new institutions regulating political and economic life in post-Soviet Russia. The course will focus on the political struggles surrounding institutional choice and policy making in contemporary Russia. The course will pay particular attention to reforms undertaken by President Vladimir Putin since 2000.
Meets general academic requirement B (and W which applies to 235 only).
