Russian division of the department of modern and classical languages offers a major in Russian studies, a minor in Russian studies or, a certificate of general proficiency in Russian; in addition, the division participates in the Russian and East European Area Studies (REES) certificate program.
Prerequisites:
Language competency equivalent to courses of the lower level RU-A110, A115: Communication in Russian I and II, RU-A210 Intermediate Russian: Language and Culture.
The Major
The focus of the Russian studies major is the development of linguistic proficiency within an interdisciplinary context. The program requires 30 hours of upper-division classes. Of these, 21 must be taken from Russian upper division courses and 9 hours of work outside the department in other disciplines.
The 21 hours to be earned within the Department must include: RU-A310 and RU-A315: Oral and Written Proficiency I and II, for 6 hours; RU-410: Fluency in Russian, for 3 hours, RU-A325: Russian Culture and Civilization, for 3 hours. Students then select 9 hours of elective credits from the Russian offerings.
The 9 hours to be earned outside the department are represented by the following courses: HS A329: Russia Since 1905; PL A474: Philosophy of Karl Marx; and POL A253: Soviet and Post Soviet Politics.
The Russian studies major requires final written comprehensive exams on grammar and a final oral proficiency exam. Students of Russian will also be argued to select a second major in other discipline (e.g., history, political science, psychology, theology, the sciences and others). By becoming a double major, you will significantly improve opportunities when entering the work force, particularly in the areas of government service or when applying for graduate study especially in language and area studies programs.
The Minor
Students may also elect a more traditional minor program. A Russian minor consists of 15 hours of upper division courses. Among the required ones are: RU-A305, RU-A310, RU-A315, RU-A320: Introduction into Russian Literature (or RU-A420: Topics in Russian Literature) and RU-A325: Russian Culture and Civilization.
Certificate Options
The Department also offers Certificate of general proficiency. The requirements for the certificate are 12 hours of courses selected from those offered by the Russian program: RU-A110, RU-A115 Oral an Written Communication I and II, for 6 hours, RU-A210: Intermediate Russian for 3 hours and one other upper-division Russian course. In addition, a final oral proficiency exam is required.
The Russian division recommends the REES certificate program to all students. Candidates in this program take additional courses in history ( e.g. History of Eastern Europe, History of Orthodox and Eastern Churches, U.S. Diplomatic History) and political science (e.g. POL A350 Russian Political Culture); a comparative course on American and Russian press is also offered periodically, as are introductory courses in Czech and Polish. While providing language proficiency, the curriculum in this program also incorporates many courses on Russian culture.
After Graduation
Students successfully completing programs in Russian have pursued graduate work in Slavic Studies and Russian Area Studies, graduate programs in other disciplines, various forms of government work, the armed forces, law school and careers in the business world.
Since Russia remains the largest country in the world, knowledge of Russian and East European history and culture is as important as it was before the breakup of the Soviet Empire. This field will retain its relevance into the foreseeable future. Moreover, Russian and Slavic studies are widely recognized as fields that challenge the energetic and inquisitive student and broaden his or her view of the world.
Russian Home | Russian Courses | Russian Club | Russian Program | Faculty | Russian Events | Useful Links
- For General Information:
Dr. Reinhard Andress, Chair
314.977.2450
andressp@slu.edu - Spanish Graduate Program:
Dr. Mauricio Souza
Director of Spanish Graduate Program
314.977.2314
souzamm@slu.edu - French Graduate Program:
Dr. Annie Smart
Director of French Graduate Program
314.977.2449
smart@slu.edu - Mailing Address:
Ritter Hall 318
220 North Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
tel. (314) 977-3200
fax (314) 977-1495