Courses

Four students seated at a table in a classroom
RUS10 video

Welcome, Russian 10 Beginners!

RUS29 video

Welcome, Russian 29!

Title slide with drawbridge in background that reads: Russian for Beginners

Welcome, Russian 10 Beginners!

Title slide with drawbridge in background that reads: Courses for Heritage Speakers

Welcome, Russian 29!

To view the complete descriptions of the courses that satisfy the requirements for the Russian Studies major or minor, please visit the University Bulletin. Russian Studies offers entry level courses for both second-language and heritage speakers.

For course times, locations, and additional details, please visit the Schedule of Classes on the University Registrar's website.

Fall 2023 Courses

Offered in English

RECS 100A - Understanding Russian Culture: Mythes and Paradoxes

Professor David Powelstock

Open to all students. Conducted in English. Students may choose to do readings either in English translation or in Russian. Satisfies the Proseminar requirement for the Russian Studies major.

Russia has given the world renowned cultural luminaries such as Tolstoy and Tchaikovsky. At the same time, the Russian state—in different historical forms—has a long tradition of censoring, imprisoning, or even murdering artists and intellectuals. One scholar suggests that even as the Russian Empire has violently expanded its boundaries, the state has “colonized” its own people. Paradoxically, this very repression has made culture politically relevant—sometimes reinforcing imperial ideology, sometimes subverting it—and charged it with particular urgency. This course takes us inside the paradox, looking at some of the most important works of modern Russian literature, film, philosophy, visual art, music, theater, opera, and ballet in the context of the country’s troubled history. Usually offered every second year.

Offered in Russian

RUS 10A - Beginning Russian I

Professor Irina Dubinina

Four class hours and one recitation hour per week.

For first-time learners of Russian. This course is an engaging introduction to the Russian language and culture. Students will acquire basic communication skills in Russian by actively speaking, writing, listening, and reading in the language. Learning is enhanced by interactive online learning modules and authentic communicative tasks. Students will also develop a basic understanding of Russian culture and worldview. Active participation is essential. Usually offered every fall.

RUS 30A - Intermediate Russian I

Professor Valeriya Kozlovskaya

Prerequisite: RUS 10a and RUS 20b or the equivalent. Not intended for Russian-English bilinguals; please contact language program director, Irina Dubinina, with questions about placement. Four class hours and one recitation hour per week.

Students will develop their proficiency in Russian to the intermediate level which will allow them to participate meaningfully in spontaneous spoken or written exchanges and make presentations on a variety of familiar and everyday topics. Students will also continue developing their reading and listening comprehension skills and growing their knowledge of Russian culture. Learning is enhanced by students' participation in a digital story project on a Russian-speaking city of interest. Active participation is essential. Usually offered every fall.

RUS 29B - Russian Language for Russian Speakers

Professor Valeriya Kozlovskaya

One additional hour of recitation required.

For students who grew up speaking Russian at home but have received no or minimal formal education in the language. Students will develop or improve their reading skills, acquire the foundations of writing in Russian, and expand their speaking ability through developing attention to linguistic form and dramatically expanding their vocabulary to include complex topics. Learning is enhanced by interactive online learning modules and authentic communicative tasks. Students will also engage in critical thinking about their bilingualism and multiculturalism. Active participation is essential. Usually offered every fall.

RUS 150B - Advanced Russian Language through 20th Century Literature

Professor Valeriya Kozlovskaya

Prerequisite (heritage speakers): RUS 29b with a grade of C- or higher, or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. Prerequisite (non-heritage speakers): RUS 40b or the equivalent. Taught in Russian. Course may be repeated for credit with instructor's permission.

A seminar for continuing students of Russian who wish to enhance their proficiency and accuracy in speaking, reading and writing. Focusing on the close study of Russian literature in the original Russian and the development of Russian oral and written language skills needed for the close reading and discussion of literature. Usually offered every second year.

Crosslisted Courses

COML 171A - Literary Translation in Theory and in Practice

Professor David Powelstock

HIST 147A - Russian Empire: Gender, Minorities, and Globalization

Professor Gregory Freeze

HUM 1A - Tragedy: Love and Death in the Creative Imagination
Professors Stephen Dowden and John Burt