Requirements. At least 62 hours.
The aim of this major is to provide the student with an
interdisciplinary focus in Russian and East European studies; a start
toward the language training needed for specialization in this area;
and a base in one discipline that will permit the student, without
much additional work, to qualify for graduate study.
Component 1. Two courses (6 semester hours) in advanced conversation
and/or composition (beyond the level specified by the LAS language
requirement) in Russian or another language of Eastern Europe or the
former Soviet Union, or equivalent proficiency. (Students
contemplating graduate work in this major are advised to continue
language study beyond these 6 additional hours.)
Component 2. At least 20 hours in Russian and East European studies
core courses, including
REES 200 (Introduction to Russia and Central Eurasia),
REES 295 (Senior Seminar in Russian and East European Studies), and at
least one course from each of three departments other than the
department used for component 3 below. Although some of the courses
used to count under component 2 may be from the same discipline as
those under component 3, any one course may be counted in only one
category. Courses currently being offered that focus entirely on
Russian and East European studies include
ANTH 382;
ECON 357;
GEOG 353;
HIST 219,
HIST 320,
HIST 321,
HIST 326,
HIST 327,
HIST 328, 329, 330;
POL 345,
POL 346;
POL S 335,
POL S 346,
POL S 383;
RUSS 113,
RUSS 114,
RUSS 115,
RUSS 116,
RUSS 119,
RUSS 199,
RUSS 215,
RUSS 216,
RUSS 222,
RUSS 225,
RUSS 315,
RUSS 317,
RUSS 324,
RUSS 335,
RUSS 327,
RUSS 338,
RUSS 360,
RUSS 370;
SLAV 319;
SOC 350; and
UKR 118,
UKR 398. Others may be counted with permission of the center
director. (Language courses that concentrate on the basic skills of
speaking, listening, reading, and writing cannot be counted as part of
this component, although Russian language courses may be used as part
of component 3 as described below.)
Component 3. At least 20 hours in a single discipline. Among those
disciplines that are most commonly used with this specialization are
anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science,
Russian language and literature, and sociology. Among disciplines also
used are business administration, comparative literature, education,
English, fine arts, French, German, journalism, linguistics,
mathematics, philosophy, psychology, and various natural
sciences. Others are permitted. If a foreign language is used for
this component, 20 hours must be taken beyond the requirement of 6
additional hours outlined under component 1 above.
Additional Courses. In addition to the courses listed above,
there are many others that consider this area to some extent and that
may be counted for partial credit toward the fulfillment of the major.
Students should consult with the center director for further
information on such courses.
In selecting courses for the major, students should bear in
mind the LAS advanced hours regulation that requires students to have
21 semester hours of 300-level and approved 200-level courses for
graduation, of which at least 12 hours must be in courses directly
applicable to the major. Courses at the 300 level that are selected
for both components 2 and 3 above may be used to meet this
requirement.
Departmental Distinction. To qualify for departmental
distinction, a student must have at least a 4.5 GPA in the courses
taken for component 2 above and must complete a substantial research
paper in consultation with a faculty member affiliated with the
center. Students who hope to qualify for distinction in this major
should consult with the center director at the beginning of the junior
year or earlier to prepare a suitable plan.
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