Russian Studies Program

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

OFFERED IN ENGLISH

Spring 2023 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Robin Feuer Miller

Open to all students. Conducted in English. Most students will choose to read the works in English translation, but students who know Russian may do the readings in Russian.

Explores Chekhov as a fiction writer, a dramatist, and a devoted physician. Many of his artistic works, including a number where doctors figure as primary characters, read as case studies of particular diseases, mental illnesses, and conditions induced by poverty. Chekhov practiced the healing arts in all aspects of his professional and creative life, as well as in his courageous efforts on the remote penal-colony island of Sakhalin and in his dangerous public work during a terrible cholera epidemic. This course will emphasize the skills of close looking—techniques equally valuable to the writer, the dramatist, and the physician. We will read works about children and the nature of childhood, about students, about “the woman question,” about peasants, about religion, about marriage and adultery. We will also read two plays: The Seagull and Uncle Vanya. Students will consider the ebb and flow between Chekhov’s efforts as a dramatist and a story-teller.  We will engage with some of Chekhov’s most vivid, candid, and intriguing letters about medicine and art. Usually offered every second year.

Spring 2023 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor David Powelstock

Prerequisite: RUS 30a or demonstrated equivalent proficiency.

Students will acquire practical skills for dealing with the particular challenges of Russian-English translation. Students will also improve their reading comprehension; vocabulary; understanding of advanced Russian grammar topics; and awareness of cultural differences necessary for translating effectively. Usually offered every second year.

OFFERED IN RUSSIAN

Spring 2023 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Irina Dubinina

Prerequisite: RUS 10a with a grade of C- or higher or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. Four class hours and one recitation hour per week.

For students with some previous study of Russian. Continuing development of proficiency across all four skills with the goal of reaching the Intermediate-Low level (ACTFL scale). Student-centered classes emphasize conversation and structural accuracy. Students will complete the learning of the grammatical architecture of the language and expand their vocabulary.

Spring 2023 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Valeriya Kozlovskaya

Prerequisite: RUS 30a with a grade of C- or higher or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. Four class hours and one recitation hour per week.

Focuses on expanding the range of contexts for language use and pushing for a greater ease and structural accuracy of language production. Further refining of grammar and vocabulary within the context of Russian culture. Authentic texts and films are used for creating context for reviewing and expanding grammar, syntax and vocabulary knowledge.

Spring 2023 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Irina Dubinina

Prerequisite: RUS 29b or permission of the instructor.

Students the (re)acquisition of the Russian linguistic system focusing on the conceptual understanding of the language structure. A comprehensive instruction aims to enhance students' ability to express the intended meaning correctly and appropriately.

CROSSLISTED COURSES

Spring 2023 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor David Powelstock

Spring 2023 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Gregory Freeze

OFFERED IN ENGLISH

RECS 135A: Russian Short Fictions: Where is Justice in This World?

Fall 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Robin Feuer Miller

Open to all students. Conducted in English.

Students may choose to do readings either in English translation or in Russian. Focuses on the great tradition of the short story as practiced by Russian writers and the connection and divisions among them. This genre invites extreme stylistic and narrative experimentation ranging from the comic to the tragic, as well as being a vehicle for striking expressions of complex social, philosophical, and religious themes. Usually offered every second year.

RECS 152A: Russian Science Fiction Literature and Film

Fall 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor David Powelstock

Open to all students. Conducted in English. Readings in English.

Examines the Russian science fiction tradition in the context of philosophical, historical, and political developments, with attention to topics such as futurism, science and technology, the perfectibility of humanity, the nature of time, the proximity of the unknown, and otherness. Usually offered every third year.

OFFERED IN RUSSIAN

RUS 10A: Beginning Russian I

Fall 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

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.

RUS 30A: Intermediate Russian I

Fall 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Valeriya Kozlovskaya

Prerequisite: RUS 20b with a grade of C- or higher or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. 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.

RUS 29B: Russian Language for Russian Speakers

Fall 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Irina Dubinina

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.

CROSSLISTED COURSES

Fall 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor David Powelstock

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

Fall 2022 Mode: Instruction for this course will be offered remotely.

Professor Gregory Freeze

POL 133B: Politics of Russia and the Post Communist World

Fall 2022 Mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Steven Wilson

OFFERED IN ENGLISH

RECS 144B: Tolstoy and Dostoevsky - Confronting the Novel

Spring 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Robin Feuer Miller

Students will engage in close readings of two of the greatest novels of all time: War and Peace and The Brothers Karamazov. We will explore the genesis of each work, its cultural backdrop and critical responses.

RECS 150A: Russian and Soviet Cinema

Spring 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor David Powelstock

Examines the Russian/Soviet cinematic tradition from the silent era to today, with special attention to cultural context and visual elements.Film masterpieces directed by Bauer, Eisenstein, Vertov, Parajanov, Tarkovsky, Mikhalkov, and others. Weekly screenings.

OFFERED IN RUSSIAN

RUS 20B: Beginning Russian II

Spring 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Irina Dubinina

For students with some previous study of Russian. Continuing development of proficiency across all four skills with the goal of reaching the Intermediate-Low level (ACTFL scale). Student-centered classes emphasize conversation and structural accuracy.

RUS 39B: Russian Language for Russian Speakers II

Spring 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Irina Dubinina

Students learn the (re)acquisition of the Russian linguistic system focusing on the conceptual understanding of the language structure. A comprehensive instruction aims to enhance students' ability to express the intended meaning correctly and appropriately.

RUS 40B: Intermediate Russian II

Spring 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Valeriya Kozlovskaya

Focuses on expanding the range of contexts for language use and pushing for a greater ease and structural accuracy of language production. Authentic texts and films are used for creating context for reviewing and expanding grammar, syntax and vocabulary knowledge.

RUS 153B: Advanced Russian Language through 19th Century Literature

Spring 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Valeriya Kozlovskaya

For heritage and advanced students of Russian; an opportunity to engage with prose and poetry written by the great 19th century author in the original.

CROSSLISTED COURSES

COML 100A: Introduction to Global Literature

Spring 2022 Mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person. 

Professor David Powelstock

HIST 147B: Twentieth-Century Russia

Spring 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Gregory Freeze

POL 167B: Russian Foreign Policy

Spring 2022 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Steven Wilson

OFFERED IN ENGLISH

COML/REC 136A: All in the Family: Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and the English Novel

Fall 2021 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Robin Feuer Miller

Selected novels and writings of Austen, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Woolf will be read to trace both the evolution of the novel and the meanings, contexts and depictions of the family. The family novel encompasses such larger questions as how we regard the pain of others and how we define community.

RECS 100A: Russian Soul: Masterworks of Modern Russian Culture

Fall 2021 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

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.

Examines masterpieces of modern Russian culture in literature, film, philosophy, art, music, theater, opera and ballet. How has Russian culture treated such common human themes as life, death, love, language, identity, and community? What makes Russian cultural tradition unique?

OFFERED IN RUSSIAN

RUS 10A: Beginning Russian I

Fall 2021 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Irina Dubinina

Four class hours and one recitation hour per week.

For students who have had no previous study of Russian. The four-skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) introduction to the Russian language with the focus on developing oral proficiency early on. A systematic presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language within the context of Russian culture.

RUS 30A: Intermediate Russian I

Fall 2021 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Valeriya Kozlovskaya

Prerequisite: RUS 20b with a grade of C- or higher or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. Four class hours and one recitation hour per week.

For students with some previous study of Russian (RUS 10a and RUS 20b or outside study). Focus on solidifying linguistic performance by creating with the language to produce unrehearsed, meaningful exchanges of information. Refining of structural knowledge and dramatic expansion of vocabulary within the context of Russian culture. Authentic texts and films are used to create context for reviewing and expanding grammar, syntax and vocabulary knowledge.

RUS 29B: Russian Language for Russian Speakers

Fall 2021 mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Irina Dubinina

One additional hour of recitation required.

Designed to meet the needs of heritage speakers of Russian who have had little or no formal training in their home language and who want to develop their reading and writing skills. An introduction of the rules of Russian orthography, morphology and syntax with emphasis on developing bilingual competencies and a systematic understanding of the structure of the Russian language. Russian linguistic system is presented in context: readings range from short works of prose fiction to articles from the contemporary Russian press.

CROSSLISTED COURSES

COML 171A: Literary Translation in Theory and in Practice

Fall 2021 Mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor David Powelstock

Prerequisite: Excellent reading knowledge of any language other than English. Students will be asked to demonstrate proficiency before receiving consent to enroll in the course.

Approaching literary translation from several angles at once, this course combines readings in the history and theory of translation with a practical translation workshop. Students will experience first-hand the challenges of literary translation and, with the help of the theoretical readings, reflect on what the process teaches us about linguistic, literary, and cultural difference.

HIST 147A: Imperial Russia: From Westernization to Globalization

Fall 2021 Mode: Instruction for this course will be offered remotely.

Professor Gregory Freeze

POL 133B: Politics of Russia and the Post Communist World

Fall 2021 Mode: Instruction for this course will be offered in-person.

Professor Steven Wilson

Courses Taught in Russian

Fall 2020 Information: Course will be offered fully remote (synchronous). 

Professor Irina Dubinina

Four class hours and one recitation hour per week.

For students who have had no previous study of Russian. The four-skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) introduction to the Russian language with the focus on developing oral proficiency early on. A systematic presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language within the context of Russian culture. Usually offered every fall.

Fall 2020 Information: Course will be offered fully remote (synchronous). 

Professor Irina Dubinina

Designed to meet the needs of heritage speakers of Russian who have had little or no formal training in their home language and who want to develop their reading and writing skills. An introduction of the rules of Russian orthography, morphology and syntax with emphasis on developing bilingual competencies and a systematic understanding of the structure of the Russian language. Russian linguistic system is presented in context: readings range from short works of prose fiction to articles from the contemporary Russian press. Usually offered every fall.

Fall 2020 Information: Course will be offered fully remote (synchronous). 

Prerequisite: RUS 20b with a grade of C- or higher or the equivalent as determined by placement examination. Four class hours and one recitation hour per week.

For students with some previous study of Russian (RUS 10a and RUS 20b or outside study). Focus on solidifying linguistic performance by creating with the language to produce unrehearsed, meaningful exchanges of information. Refining of structural knowledge and dramatic expansion of vocabulary within the context of Russian culture. Authentic texts and films are used to create context for reviewing and expanding grammar, syntax and vocabulary knowledge. Usually offered every fall.

Fall 2020 Information: Course will be offered fully remote (synchronous). 

Professor Irina Dubinina

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.

Courses Taught in English

Fall 2020 Information: Depending on enrollment, course will either be taught fully remote (synchronous) or hybrid (in-person with option of remote/synchronous).

Professor David Powelstock

Open to all students. Conducted in English. Readings in English.

Examines the Russian science fiction tradition in the context of philosophical, historical, and political developments, with attention to topics such as futurism, science and technology, the perfectibility of humanity, the nature of time, the proximity of the unknown, and otherness. Usually offered every third year.

Fall 2020 Information: Depending on enrollment, course will either be taught fully remote (synchronous) or hybrid (in-person with option of remote/synchronous).

Professor David Powelstock

Open to all students. Conducted in English. Readings in English.

Examines the Russian science fiction tradition in the context of philosophical, historical, and political developments, with attention to topics such as futurism, science and technology, the perfectibility of humanity, the nature of time, the proximity of the unknown, and otherness. Usually offered every third year.