Course Information Suite

Russian Language and Literature

Department of Slavic Languages and Literature
http://www.slavic.illinois.edu


Head of Department: Michael Finke
Department Office: 3080 Foreign Languages Building, 707 South Mathews, Urbana, (217) 333-0680

Russian Language and Literature

There are two “Russian” majors (and minors) at the University of Illinois. What is the difference between them and which is the right one for you?

The major in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies has a multidisciplinary area studies focus. Students take courses in a variety of disciplines (history, sociology, political science) and develop a broad expertise in the history, politics, and culture of the region that includes Russia, but also many other countries, from the Czech Republic to Estonia to Uzbekistan. Language study can be in Russian or in any of the other languages of the region offered here. Students often go on to careers in government service or to work at NGOs.

The major in Russian Language and Literature (described on this page) is a traditional single disciplinary major, though the department encourages interdisciplinary approaches that focus on literature and the arts, literature and medicine, cinema, history, politics, or culture in Russia. Students develop intensive cultural literacy and communication skills through humanities oriented training, and many go on to careers in writing and editing, media, or work with international cultural foundations and organizations.

That said, the majors are only as different, or as similar, as you make them. You can choose literature as your primary field for the REEES major, or take social science courses to develop broad area expertise in your supporting coursework for the Russian language and literature major. Both are excellent preparation for law school or graduate school and careers in teaching or research.

The major in Russian Language and Literature
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. 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 48 hours including 24 hours in advanced Russian Language and 27 hours in Russian Literature.

General education: Students must 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 RUSS 201-2021
24 Russian Literature: A minimum of 24 hours is required in the following 5 sections:
 
Introduction to Slavic Studies (3 hours) select from:
 

UKR 113 - Ukrainian Culture

 

SLAV 117 - Russ & East Euro Science Fiction

 

SLAV 120 - Slavic Folklore

 

Literature Survey (6 hours)
 

Any two 200-level literature survey courses in Russian or Slavic

 
Authors courses (6 hours)
 

Any two 300-level author courses in Russian or Slavic
 

Literature and cultures courses (6 hours)
          Any two 400-level literature or culture courses in Russian or Slavic expect RUSS 470
 

RUSS 470 - Russian Advanced Seminar (3 hours)2
12

Supporting coursework: A minimum of 12 hours selected from the following
 

Studies in Western Culture (3 hours) Select from:
 

CWL 241 - Lit Europe and the Americas I

 

CWL 242 - Lit Europe and the Americas II

 

HIST 260 - Survey of Russian History

 

Electives (9 hours) 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). See the Russian and East European Center for a list of current course offerings. or
 

200- and 300-level courses in a Slavic language other than Russian, as indicated on a list maintained by the undergraduate advisor, or 500 level Russian language courses.

 

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.

1. The Language requirement may also be satisfied with a proficiency examination.  A student who places beyond the fourth year of Russian language is exempt from the language requirements for the major.  Please contact the Russian Language Coordinator to schedule a proficiency exam.
2. This requirement may be fulfilled by RUSS 493 Honors Senior Thesis.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.

E-mail: slavic@illinois.edu

Hours Requirements
3 Introduction to Slavic culture. Select from:
 
UKR 113-Ukrainian Culture
 
SLAV 117- Russ & E Euro Science Fiction
 
SLAV 120- Slavic Folklore
 

Other courses from a list of introductory courses maintained by the undergraduate advisor.
6-8 Intermediate Russian Language:
 
RUSS 201–Second-Year Russian I
 
RUSS 202–Second-Year Russian II; or equivalent
3

Advanced Russian Language:
 
RUSS 301–Third Yr Russian I
 
RUSS 302–Third Yr Russian II; or equivalent
6 Russian literature: Two 200-, 300- or 400-level courses from the list maintained by the undergraduate advisor.
18-20 Total required hours