Russian Studies Major, BA

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; and
• synthesize target language proficiencies, cultural competencies, cultural humility, and critical modes of thinking and expression for an in-depth level of communication.