The Minor in Russian Studies

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Tatyana Gershkovich, Associate Professor of Russian Studies

Prerequisites

There are no language prerequisites for the Russian minor. Students with native or near-native proficiency in Russian or with prior study at the elementary or intermediate level may begin language study at a higher level, based on consultation with the major advisor and placement through CMU placement tests.

Students with native or near-native proficiency in Russian or with prior study at the elementary or intermediate level may begin language study at a higher level, based on consultation with the major advisor.

Students may double count up to two courses taken for the Russian Studies minor that is also being used to fulfill the requirements of other majors, minors, and programs.  This does not include requirements for General Education requirements which have no limit.

Curriculum

Minor in Russian Studies54-66 units

1. Foundational Courses in Russian Studies (5 courses, 45-57 units)

Complete at least three semesters of Russian language study:

		Units
82-191	Elementary Russian I	12
82-192	Elementary Russian II	12
82-291	Intermediate Russian I	12
82-292	Intermediate Russian II	12
82-194	Intensive Russian (I & II) (see note)	15
NOTE: Students who take Intensive Elementary Russian and those who place into higher level courses will still need to complete three semesters of language study.

Complete two Russian Studies Electives:

		Units
82-294	19th Century Russian Masterpieces *	9, 12
82-295	20th Century Russian Masterpieces *	9, 12
82-292	Intermediate Russian II	12

*

These 9 unit content-based courses are taught in English but an optional 3 units of content-based study in Russian can be added.

2. Russian Studies and Interdisciplinary Electives (1 course, 9 units)

In consultation with the advisor, choose one additional course taught in English or Russian. Students may substitute one relevant and related course from outside the program (i.e., another LCAL course) or from another department (e.g., History, CMIST, Philosophy, English). 

History		Units
79-267	The Soviet Union in World War II: Military, Political, and Social History	9
79-322	Stalin and the Great Terror	9

Languages, Cultures, and Applied Linguistics		Units
82-293	Russian Cinema: From the Bolshevik Revolution to Putin's Russia	Var.
82-391	Advanced Russian I - Berlin, Paris, New York, Harbin	9
82-392	Advanced Russian II: Great Short Works	9
82-394	Russian for Heritage Speakers: Babushkas, Russia & Beyond	9
82-397	Radicals, Heretics, Hackers: Russian Outlaws in History, Literature, and Film	Var.

Study Abroad

A semester or year of study abroad is strongly recommended. Consult with your advisor and the Office of International Education (OIE) about possible options. Students are encouraged to spend a semester or summer in Russia via an approved exchange program. Many exchange programs offer instruction in Russian language, history, literature, and culture, in internationally recognized universities. They also offer travel to ancient sites and cities, visits to museums, palaces, exhibitions, and monuments, and the opportunity to live with a Russian host family. Scholarship opportunities are available.