Russian Studies Courses

Russian language is taught in a non-intensive format, to benefit students who do not have enough room in their schedule for 2-unit per semester language study. To fulfill your COM2 requirement with no prior experience in Russian, we strongly advise you to start in the fall of freshmen year with Russian 101-102. In your sophomore year, you will complete Russian 201-202.

For more information on the synergies between Russian language study and majors in business, pre-med, science, art, international studies, political science, and pre-law, contact Yvonne Howell. Or just sign up and enjoy the ride!

Russian Studies Program

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  • RUSN 101 Elementary Russian I

    Units: 1

    Description
    Introduction to Russian language and culture.
  • RUSN 102 Elementary Russian II

    Units: 1

    Description
    Introduction to Russian language and culture.

     

    Prerequisites

    RUSN 101 with a minimum grade of D-

  • RUSN 179 Accelerated Russian Language Abroad I

    Units: 1

    Description
    Onsite language course offered during summer study abroad in St. Petersburg. Designed to accelerate conversational and comprehension skills. For students who have completed one year of college Russian.

     

    Prerequisites

    RUSN 102 with a minimum grade of D-

  • RUSN 201 Intermediate Russian I

    Units: 1

    Description
    Active practice and reinforcement of language skills and study of culture.

     

    Prerequisites

    RUSN 102 with a minimum grade of D-

  • RUSN 202 Intermediate Russian II

    Units: 1

    Fulfills General Education Requirement (Communication-Foreign Language (COM2))

    Description
    Active practice and reinforcement of language skills and study of culture.
  • RUSN 305 The Russian Case

    Units: 1

    Description
    Provides a critical introduction to key themes in Russian culture and civilization using authentic Russian language materials from popular culture, literature, media and film. Topics vary by semester, but the course material is designed to move students from low to high intermediate proficiency (ACTFL). Primary focus on rapid expansion of functional vocabulary and thorough review of case system.

     

    Prerequisites

    RUSN 202

  • RUSN 312 Accelerated Russian Language Abroad

    Units: 1

    Description
    Onsite language course offered during summer study abroad in St. Petersburg. Designed to accelerate conversational and comprehension skills.

     

    Prerequisites

    RUSN 203

  • RUSN 313 Russian Cultural Life

    Units: 1

    Description
    Onsite cultural studies course offered during summer study abroad in St. Petersburg. Designed as introduction to both “high” culture (museums, opera, concerts) and “everyday” culture in contemporary Russia, the course immerses students in the aesthetic and practical aspects of life in St. Petersburg, and provides a framework for reflecting upon the diversity of cultural practices.

     

    Prerequisites

    RUSN 203

  • RUSN 315 Verbs for Life

    Units: 1

    Description
    Provides a critical look at the importance of literature for Russian national mythologies using authentic Russian language materials from classic and contemporary Russian literature. Authors and readings vary by semester, but the course material is designed to move students from low to high intermediate proficiency (ACTFL). Primary focus on understanding the system of prefixed verbs in Russian, as well as rapid expansion of functional vocabulary.

     

    Prerequisites

    RUSN 305 with a minimum grade of D-

  • RUSN 388 Individual Internship

    Units: 0.5-1

    Description
    Internship experiences outside of the department in fields related to Russian studies. No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.
  • RUSN 389 Practice Assistantship

    Units: 0.25

    Description
    Students lead practice sessions associated with the elementary and intermediate language sequence in Russian. The practice assistantship does not count as credit toward the major or minor. Up to one unit can be applied toward graduation credit.
  • RUSN 401 Topics in Advanced Russian I

    Units: 1

    Description
    Discussion in Russian at advanced level of selected topics and readings in Russian literature.
  • RUSN 402 Topics in Advanced Russian II

    Units: 1

    Description
    Discussion in Russian at advanced level of selected topics and readings in Russian literature.
  • RUSN 406 Summer Undergraduate Research

    Units: 0

    Description
    Documentation of the work of students who receive summer fellowships to conduct research [or produce a creative arts project] in the summer. The work must take place over a minimum of 6 weeks, the student must engage in the project full-time (at least 40 hours per week) during this period, and the student must be the recipient of a fellowship through the university. Graded S/U.

     

    Prerequisites

    Approval by a faculty mentor.

  • RUSN 420 Readings in Russian Literature

    Units: 1

    Description
    Analysis and discussion of primary Russian texts. Topics vary by semester. May be repeated up to three times with different course material.
  • RUSN 495 Independent Study

    Units: 0.25-1

    Description
    Special projects individually pursued under supervision of faculty member.
  • RUSN 497 Selected Topics

    Units: 1

    Description
    Special interest topics offered at department's discretion.
  • RUSN 498 Senior Research Project I

    Units: 0

    Description
    Consultation with faculty mentor and selection of Russian studies topic for senior research project.
  • RUSN 499 Senior Research Project II

    Units: 0.5

    Description
    Completion and presentation of an independently researched paper on Russian studies topic.