For students who declared this version of the major before November 2006 only

The Major in Russian

Students pursuing the major in Russian are required to articulate a plan of study in consultation with the undergraduate chair, normally by the conclusion of the sophomore year. Sample study plans and detailed instructions on their preparation are available upon request. The purpose of the study plan is to ensure an adequate level of coherence in the student's work towards the major.

The major requires a total of twelve courses, beyond the completion of the introductory through intermediate language program (001-004) or literacy courses for Russian speakers (360-361), or the demonstration of equivalent proficiency. These twelve courses must include:

1. (2 courses) One survey of nineteenth- and pre-nineteenth-century literature and culture (100-149) and one survey of twentieth and post-twentieth-century literature and culture (150-189). One of these two courses may be replaced by a survey course that covers material from both periods (190-199).

2. (2 courses) One seminar in nineteenth- and pre-nineteenth-century literature and culture (200-249), and one seminar in twentieth- and post-twentieth-century literature and culture (250-289). One of these two courses may be replaced by a seminar course that covers material from both periods (290-299). For students with advanced Russian competence, these courses may be replaced by courses in corresponding topics at the 400 level taught in Russian.

3. (1 course) Russian 311 or any course at the 400 level taught in Russian. (Students studying abroad during the junior year will normally receive credit for this course while abroad.)

4. (2 courses) At least two advanced courses at the 400 level taught in Russian in the study of literature, language, culture or politics.

5. (1 course) A senior thesis, written during either semester of the senior year (399).

The remaining elective courses towards the major (4 courses) may be additional courses from the Russian curriculum proper or courses cross-listed with Russian (010-099). With the approval of the undergraduate chair or the student's advisor, expressed either at the acceptance of the student's study plan or before the conclusion of the add/drop period of the semester in question, electives may also include courses of other departments which are not cross-listed with Russian, yet which concern Russia or the former Soviet Union in significant portion of their content. Subject to this same approval requirement, electives may also be courses related to the student's specific focus of study within the major, which expose the student to relevant methodology or substance.
With the approval of the undergraduate chair or the student's advisor, courses taken during study abroad in Russia may be used to satisfy major requirements. Normally, they will be counted towards elective courses, but in some circumstances they may count as advanced courses in Russian (point 4 above).

The Honors Program

The honors major in Russian requires a minimum 3.5 GPA in major and major-related courses, as well as the grade of A on the senior thesis.