Russian Studies Minor

FACULTY:
Beth Ann Muellner, Chair (German Studies)
Tatiana Filimonova
Olesya Taran (Language Assistant)

Russian Studies is an interdisciplinary area focused on Russia and Eastern Europe in cultural, literary, historical, philosophical, and political contexts. It is one of several programs at the College that provides students with the opportunity to develop proficiency in a foreign language in connection with their other academic and professional interests. The department offers courses in three areas: 1) Russian language, 2) Russian culture, and 3) Russian literature. These, together with courses in history and comparative literature, give students a strong background in Russia and Eastern Europe.

Recent graduates in Russian Studies have embarked on employment in government service, non-governmental organizations, and private companies, both in the United States and abroad. Some have gone on to graduate school, pursuing careers in such areas as law, education, library science, and academia. Recent graduates have also served in the Peace Corps in the former Soviet Union.

Minor in Russian Studies

Consists of six courses:

Special Notes

The College language requirement may be satisfied in Russian by completing a 102-level course or receiving a score equivalent to the 102-level on the placement examination administered during registration week. If a student registers for and completes a course in language below the level at which the language department’s placement exam placed him or her, that student will not receive credit toward graduation for that course, unless he or she has obtained the permission of the instructor of the course into which the student placed and permission of the department chair.
Study Abroad: Students will be encouraged to enhance their educational experience (or fulfill requirements for a major in International Relations) by studying in Russia or East Central Europe, and are advised to consult with the chairperson of the department in the first term of their first year of study at the College. Early planning is essential for the CIEE program in St. Petersburg, as well as for other programs such as American Councils Study Abroad in Vladimir. Approved courses taken in an off-campus semester will provide additional variety in the courses offered for the major.
Russian House: Students have the opportunity to apply for residence in Russian House, a suite in Luce Hall that houses students along with a native Russian assistant and serves as the focal point for most campus Russian language and cultural activities. Applications for residency in the Russian House can be obtained from the chair and are usually due early in the spring semester.
Related Interdepartmental Programs: Students interested in Russian and East Central European literature and culture should be aware of several interdepartmental programs in which the Department of Russian Studies cooperates: Comparative Literature, Film Studies, and International Relations.
S/NC courses are not permitted in the major or minor.
Only grades of C- or better are accepted for the major or minor.