Nov 05, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Russian Studies Major, BA


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This major requires a minor. Study abroad is recommended but not required for this major.

Russian studies major offers coursework in Russian language and interdisciplinary courses on Russian culture, history and society. Russian Studies program features small classes offered in flexible modalities; a student-centered learning environment; and many opportunities for enhanced learning experience, such as: study abroad; peer-led Russian Resource Center; internships, and more. Russian Studies curriculum offers a focus on linguistic proficiency; a broad foundation in Russian area studies; and fundamentals of global intercultural competence.

Consider taking russian studies for careers in the government, foreign service, military, journalism, international NGOs and business, education, and tourism. Russian is an official U.N. language. The U.S. Government designates Russian as a “critical” language in need of more experts. ROTC students may be eligible to receive scholarships or other benefits if they select this major.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Perform linguistic proficiency in all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) in the target language at the intermediate level on the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency scale. 
  • Apply global intercultural competence at the advanced level as defined by the American Council on Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
  • Recognize the value of cultural and linguistic diversity in various communicative contexts. Connect the value of cultural and linguistic diversity to personal development.
  • Examine and interpret salient historical and cultural features of the regions/communities studied. 
  • Compare cross-cultural products, practices, and perspectives in the linguistic and cultural context of the regions/communities studied.
  • Synthesize target language proficiencies, cultural competencies, cultural humility, and critical modes of thinking and expression for an in-depth level of communication.

WLC Department Requirements


Admission Requirements
Students planning to major or minor must meet with an advisor in the World Languages and Cultures department for details about admission requirements and to complete an application form.

Program Requirements
Students in the majors and minors must earn a minimum grade of C+ in each course used for their program/s.

Core Course Requirements
Only courses numbered 200 and above will count toward a major or minor. Students may contact the department to request placement testing if they have prior instruction in any of the languages.   For students with sufficient preparation, the 200-level sequence may be waived through our placement exam or credit by examination. Please note that Spanish CLEP test scores may be used to complete General Education and/or graduation requirements but may not be used to fulfill course requirements for Spanish majors or minors. Students planning to study abroad must see their advisor prior to departure to ensure the applicability of the proposed course of study. All upper-division classes not listed as requirements are approved electives.

Required Courses Credits: 32


Intermediate Russian Credits: (15)


Advanced Russian Credits: (15)


Students can choose required courses between rotating advanced language sequences: RUSS 341, RUSS 342, RUSS 441 and RUSS 351, RUSS 352, RUSS 451.

After completing Advanced Russian core requirements, students can take other advanced language courses as electives.

Culminating Experience Credits: (2)


WLC 487: Culminating Experience is required for all majors in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and General Education Program.

Total Credits: 47


Small Plan Major (fewer than 60 credits)


This major requires the completion of a minor or second major. Please consult with the departments about any specific restrictions regarding overlap between plans.

College and Department Information


World Languages and Cultures Department  
College of Arts and Humanities  

Online Availibility
The program will have both a designated online only option and an in-person or hybrid option.

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