Objectives

The mission of the Russian section of the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages is to train students in the literature, language, culture, and history of Russia. Our concentration provides all the riches of a liberal arts education as we study the language and discourse of foreign culture and as we study the human drama played out in the pages of its fiction and the pages of its history. Thus the concentration prepares students who plan to enter professions with an international focus, such as government service, journalism, private industry, international social services, and academia. Yet more broadly, for those pursuing a career in law we offer studies of truth and justice, for those pursuing a career in medicine we offer contemplations of human compassion, and for those in public service and private industry we offer a higher understanding of human communication and deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human spirit. Indeed past Russian concentrators have gone on to successful careers in all of these areas. We pride ourselves on our ability to bring students to a high level of proficiency in the Russian language as rapidly as possible, and in achieving this goal we employ all the resources available: computer technology, audio, video, and film. In the area of literature, our curriculum offers broad and deep study of major authors and movements in Russian literature in the 19th and 20th centuries. In order to serve the University in general, we offer a range of courses taught in translation. Recognizing that concentrators come to us with a variety of backgrounds, the department has two tracks for the concentration: one for students coming to the department with no previous background in Russian language and literature, and one for heritage speakers or students arriving at Brandeis with advanced language proficiency. All concentrators are required to take a number of courses in the original language as well as doing substantial reading in the original language for other courses. The two tracks are then tailored to provide students with an optimal learning environment suited to their situation and to challenge them appropriately. Courses in Russian history and Russian politics are strongly recommended for concentrators.

How to Become a Concentrator

The department welcomes all students to become concentrators in Russian language and literature. We seek enthusiastic students willing to undertake a serious and challenging course of study. The members of the faculty are devoted to teaching the undergraduate student and offer individualized attention. Students interested in becoming a concentrator should read the requirements below and come speak with a member of the department. Students who wish to discuss specifically issues of language placement and the two concentration tracks should speak with Professor Chevalier.

A concentrator in Russian may obtain the Massachusetts teaching certificate at the high school level by additionally completing requirements of the Education Program (q.v.). Interested students should meet with the program director.

Faculty

See Germanic and Slavic Languages.

Requirements for Concentration

Intended for students with no prior knowledge of Russian.

A. ECS 100a (European Cultural Studies: The Proseminar) to be completed no later than the junior year.

B. Advanced language and literature study: Required are: RUS 105a, RUS 106b, and RUS 153a.

C. Literature study: Any five RECS courses. At least one of these courses must be taken with a tutorial study of selected readings in Russian. A tutorial session will be appended to one RECS course every year. In the 2001-02 academic year, this course will be RECS 148a.

D. RUS 97a, 97b, or 99d. Concentrators wishing to graduate with departmental honors must complete RUS 99d (Senior Thesis). Candidates for departmental honors must have a 3.50 GPA in Russian courses previous to the senior year. Honors are awarded on the basis of cumulative excellence in all courses taken in the concentration and the grade on the Honors Thesis.

Russian Language and Literature Track II

Intended for heritage speakers of Russian and students with advanced proficiency in Russian.

A. ECS 100a (European Cultural Studies: The Proseminar) to be completed no later than the junior year.

B. Advanced language study and study of literature in Russian: RUS 110a, or qualifying exam.

C. Literature study: Any six RECS courses. Students will be expected to do a large portion, if not all, of their readings in Russian. Interested students are invited to participate in the tutorial study of selected readings in Russian. A tutorial session will be appended to one RECS course every year. In the 2001-02 academic year, this course will be RECS 148a.

D. RUS 97a, 97b, or 99d. Concentrators wishing to graduate with departmental honors must complete RUS 99d (Senior Thesis). Candidates for departmental honors must have a 3.50 GPA in Russian courses previous to the senior year. Honors are awarded on the basis of cumulative excellence in all courses taken in the concentration and the grade on the Honors Thesis.

Requirements for the Minor in Russian Literature

A. One course in advanced language study: RUS 105a, RUS 106b, or RUS 110a (or qualifying exam)

B. Literature Study in Russian: RUS 150a or RUS 153a.

C. Literature study: Any three RECS courses.

Courses of Instruction

(1-99) Primarily for Undergraduate Students

For students who have had no previous study of Russian. A systematic presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language within the context of Russian culture, with focus on all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Chevalier

For students with some previous study of Russian. Continuing presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language within the context of Russian culture, and practice of the four language skills. Special attention to reading and writing skills, as well as guided conversation. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Chevalier

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For students with some previous study of Russian (RUS 10a, RUS 20b). Continuing presentation of the basic grammar and vocabulary of the language within the context of Russian culture. Special attention to reading and writing skills. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Chevalier

Usually offered every year.

Staff.

Usually offered every year.

Staff

Reading and reports under faculty supervision. Usually offered every semester.

Staff

Reading and reports under faculty supervision. Usually offered every year.

Staff

Usually offered every year.

Staff

(100-199) For Both Undergraduate and Graduate Students

The abbreviation RECS denotes Russian and European Cultural Studies courses.

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Presentation of complex grammar. Special attention to reading and writing skills. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Chevalier

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A course designed to improve ordinary conversational skills and teach composition on an intermediate level. Conducted entirely in Russian. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Chevalier

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Designed to meet the needs of Russian language speakers who have had little or no formal training in their native language and who want to improve reading and writing skills. Readings range from short works of contemporary prose fiction to articles from the contemporary Russian press. Basic rules of orthography and advanced grammar topics will be reviewed. Usually offered every year.

Ms. Chevalier

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A comprehensive survey of the major writers and themes of the 19th century including Gogol, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, and others. Usually offered every second year.

Staff

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Offers a detailed investigation of the evolution of Chekhov's art, emphasizing the thematic and structural aspects of Chekhov's works. Attention paid to methods of characterization, use of detail, narrative technique, and the roles into which he casts his audience. Usually offered every second year.

Staff

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Focuses on the great tradition of the short story in Russia. This genre has always invited stylistic and narrative experimentation, as well as being a vehicle for the striking, if brief expression of complex social, religious, and philosophical themes. Usually offered every second year.

Staff

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Despite the difficulties in attempting a genuine autobiography, childhood reminiscence, or confession, Russian writers from Avvakum on have undertaken to express themselves authentically within these forms. Readings will be drawn from Avvakum, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Nabokov, and others. Usually offered every fourth year. Will be offered during the 2002-03 academic year.

Staff

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Examines questions of female representation and identity, and of female authorship. Readings include portrayals of women by men and women authors. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Miller

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A comprehensive survey of Dostoevsky's life and works, with special emphasis on the major novels. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Miller

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Studies the major short stories and novels of Leo Tolstoy against the backdrop of 19th-century history and with reference to 20th-century critical theory. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Swensen

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Examines the rich tradition of Russian drama and theater. Readings will include works from the 19th and 20th centuries, with concentrated study of Chekhov and works by Pushkin, Gogol, Gorky, Mayakovsky, and others. Usually offered every second year. Will be offered in the fall of 2001.

Mr. Swensen

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Focuses on three decades, 1900-30, and their various artistic movements as reflected in literature, painting, and theater. Explores the interrelationships between artistic movements and the political scene. Usually offered every second year.

Staff

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An undergraduate seminar intended primarily for students who are heritage speakers or students who have acquired advanced proficiency in Russian. Examines the prose of major figures in Russian literature. Topics vary from year to year. Required for Track 2 concentrators and open to qualified non-concentrators. Taught in Russian. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Chevalier

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An undergraduate seminar intended primarily for students of Russian as a second language. Examines and analyzes poets and poetic movements of the 19th and 20th centuries. Intended to introduce nonnative speakers to reading the rich tradition of Russian verse. Required of Track 1 concentrators and open to qualified non-concentrators. Taught in Russian. Usually offered every second year.

Ms. Swensen

A concentrated study of Vladimir Nabokov, the most noted Russian author living in emigration and one of the most influential novelists of the 20th century. Study focuses on the novels, but readings will also include lectures and autobiography. Usually offered every second year.

Mr. Swensen

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Explores the relationship of culture to society and religion in Russia through the 18th century. Examines the interactions of diverse forms of artistic expression, presenting examples from visual art, music, architecture, and popular culture, giving special attention to Russia's rich folk heritage. Usually offered every second year starting 2003-04.

Ms. Chevalier

Cross-Listed Courses

European Cultural Studies: The Proseminar