Course Information Suite

Slavic

Slavic Languages and Literature
Head of Department: Harriet Murav
Department Office: 3080 Foreign Languages Building, 707 South Mathews, Urbana, (217) 333-0680

Russian is spoken by some 250 million people and is used by many more in Russia and the countries of Eastern Europe. Russian is the language of one of the world's great literatures. Training in Russian can lead to careers in teaching, the creative arts, community work, governmental service, journalism, and research in many areas. Many students majoring in other fields find it useful to learn Russian as a valuable tool of communication and research. This major is sponsored by the Department of Slavic Languages and Literature.

Major in Sciences and Letters Curriculum

E-mail: slavic@illinois.edu

Degree title: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences

Minimum required major and supporting courses equate to 51 hours including 12 hours in advanced Russian Language and 27 hours in Russian Literature.

General education: The LAS General Education requirements are set up so students automatically complete the Campus General Education requirements.

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours

Departmental distinction: Graduation with distinction may be earned by completion of any one of the following three options:

  • GPA in departmental courses of 3.75; or
  • GPA in departmental courses of 3.50, plus successful completion of RUSS 493; or
  • GPA in departmental courses of 3.50, plus successful completion of academic study trip to the former Soviet Union, documented by graded transcript. See a departmental adviser to work out details, preferably two semesters before graduation.

Hours Requirements
12 Russian language: A minimum of 12 hours beyond the College Language requirement:
 
RUSS 301 - Third Year Russian I
 
RUSS 302 - Third Year Russian II
 
RUSS 401 - Fourth Year Russian I
 
RUSS 402 - Fourth Year Russian II
3 Russian Literature: Select one of the following 100-level courses:
 
UKR 113 - Ukrainian Culture
 
SLAV 117 - Russ & East Euro Science Fiction
 
SLAV 120 - Slavic Folklore
6 Literature Survey: Select from:
 
RUSS 220 - 19th Century Russian Lit Survey
 
RUSS 225 - Russian Lit Since 1917
 
RUSS 219 - Russian Cinema Survey
 
SLAV 277 - Slavic Literature Survey
9 Authors courses: Select from:
 
RUSS 322 - Dostoevsky
 
RUSS 323 - Tolstoy
 
RUSS 325 - Chekhov
 
RUSS 335 - Nabokov
 
Other courses from a list of 200 level author courses maintained in the undergraduate advisor's office
6 Literature and cultures courses: Select from:
 
SLAV 452 - Slavic Cultural Studies
 
SLAV 419 - Studies in Slavic Cinema
 
RUSS 444 - Problems in Romanticism
 
RUSS 445 - Problems in Realism
 
RUSS 465 - Russian-Jewish Culture
 
RUSS 460 - Russian Cultural Studies
 
RUSS 466 - Russian Women's Writing
 
RUSS 461 - Russia and the Other
3 RUSS 470 - Russian Advanced Seminar
3 Supporting coursework: A minimum of 12 hours selected from the following:
 
CWL 241 - Masterpieces West Culture I
 
CWL 242 - Masterpieces West Culture II
 
HIST 260 - Survey of Russian History
9 Select from:
 
Courses on Russia, the former Soviet Union, or East Europe (offered by such units as anthropology, art history, architecture, Asian studies, cinema studies, communications, economics, education, geography, history, music, philosophy, political science, religious studies, sociology, theatre). or
 
See the Russian and East European Center for a list of current course offerings. or
 
200- and 300-level courses in a single language other than Russian, or general methodology courses in the linguistics department (excluding Russian cross-listed courses). or
 
Additional course work in the Slavic Department or another literature program or department. or
 
Students completing a double-major or a minor in another department need no supporting work.

Substitutions may be made with adviser approval.

All foreign language requirements must be satisfied.

A Major Plan of Study Form must be completed and submitted to the LAS Student Affairs Office before the end of the fifth semester (60 - 75 hours). Study abroad courses may be substituted for major and minor requirements with approval of adviser.

Minor in Russian Language and Literature

A minor in Russian language and literature may be useful and enriching for students in many disciplines, from economics and political science through comparative literature and theatre to engineering and mathematics. The 18- to 20-hour program listed below provides considerable flexibility within a general structure. Additional information may be obtained from the undergraduate adviser in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures.

This minor is under revision. Please contact the Slavic Department for current requirements.

E-mail: slavic@illinois.edu

Hours Requirements
3 Introduction to Russian literature and culture. Select from:
 
RUSS 113 - Russian Civilization Through Literature
 
RUSS 114 - Soviet and Post Soviet Society Through Literature
 
RUSS 115 - Russian Masterpieces in Translation, I
 
RUSS 116 - Russian Masterpieces in Translation, II
6-8 RUSS 201 - Second-Year Russian I
  RUSS 202 - Second-Year Russian II; or equivalent
3 Select from:
 
RUSS 200 - Intermediate Reading and Translation
 
RUSS 301 - Third Yr Russian I
 
RUSS 302 - Third Yr Russian II
 
RUSS 215 - Introduction to Russian Literature, I
 
RUSS 216 - Introduction to Russian Literature, II
 
RUSS 313 - Advanced Composition and Usage, I
 
RUSS 314 - Advanced Composition and Usage, II
6 19th- and 20th century Russian literature: two 300- or 400-level courses
18-20 Total required hours

NOTE: Of the above courses, RUSS 113 through 116 have no prerequisites. RUSS 201 assumes two high-school years, or two college semesters, of elementary Russian (RUSS 101-102 or 111). The 300- or 400-level courses have prerequisites contained within the above list of courses acceptable for the minor.