RUSS 101
3 credits
Russian Language I
Prerequisite(s): None
An introduction to the Russian language by an intensive study of the Cyrillic alphabet, the case and verb system, and essential vocabulary. Through the use of communicative exercises and grammatical explanations, students will learn to speak, understand, read, and write Russian.
Note: This course is equivalent to CEFR level A1.
RUSS 102
3 credits
Russian Language II
Prerequisite(s): RUSS 101 or equivalent.
This course continues to develop learners’ skills at expressing themselves in the Russian language by an intensive study of the case and verb system, and essential vocabulary. Through the use of communicative exercises and grammatical explanations, students will learn to speak, understand, read, and write Russian.
Note: This course is equivalent to CEFR level A2.
RUSS 201
3 credits
Intermediate Russian Language I
Prerequisite(s): RUSS 102
Reviews the important elements of Russian grammar studied in the first year, concentrating on the case and verb system. This course develops students' command of both oral and written Russian and introduces texts for literary study. Films, songs, and videos enrich cultural knowledge.
Note: This course is equivalent to CEFR Level B1.
RUSS 202
3 credits
Intermediate Russian Language II
Prerequisite(s): RUSS 201 or equivalent.
This course continues to review the important elements of Russian grammar, concentrating on the case and verb system. It refines students' command of both oral and written Russian through written and oral passages and presents texts, songs, and films for language and cultural study.
Note: This course is equivalent to CEFR level B2.
RUSS 251
3 credits
19th Century Russian Literature in English
Prerequisite(s): None
Introduces you to the richness of 19th century Russian society through its authors and their works. We take seven major authors of the period, such as Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Chekhov, and Pushkin, and read selected works translated into English. These literary masterpieces are studied within the context of the historical, sociological, and philosophical development of Russian society.
RUSS 252
3 credits
20th Century Russian Literature in English
Prerequisite(s): None
In this course, we try to understand the development of Russian society since the revolution by examining major works of seven post-revolutionary writers, including Pasternak, Solzhenitsyn, Zamyatin, and Sholokhov. Some are pro-Soviet and some are biased against the changes in Russia since 1917, but all are fascinating reading. We read these works in English in an attempt to understand what has happened historically and politically in Russia in the last eight decades.
RUSS 311
4 credits
Advanced Russian Composition and Conversation
Prerequisite(s): RUSS 202
This course refines the students' abilities in oral and written Russian by reviewing essential elements of grammar, stylistics, and conversation. Readings will include both classic and modern selections. There is extensive use of the multimedia laboratory and Russian websites.
RUSS 321
4 credits
Advanced Russian Language and Literature
Prerequisite(s): RUSS 202
This course develops the students' command of Russian with a focus on language in context, be it literary or media-based. The focus on literature will include some short Russian literary masterpieces. There is extensive use of the multimedia laboratory and Russian websites.
RUSS 391
4 credits
Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky in English
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: RUSS 251, RUSS 252, or any 200-level English course.
This course focuses on the major works of L.N. Tolstoy and F.M. Dostoyevsky, two of the greatest writers and thinkers of 19th century Russia, whose ideas have influenced the development of modern thought around the world. Their works will be examined as examples of great literature within their social and historical context. Students are expected to have read Anna Karenina and Crime and Punishment before taking this course.
Note: This course is offered as RUSS 391 and ENGL 391. Students may only take one of these for credit. Students with credit for RUSS 351 cannot take this course for further credit.
RUSS 392
4 credits
Bulgakov, Pasternak, and Solzenitsyn
Prerequisite(s): One of the following: RUSS 251, RUSS 252, or any 200-level English course
This course concentrates on the works, translated into English, of three courageous writers who dared to express ideas that were not acceptable to the Soviet regime. These works will be examined as examples of great literature within their social and historical context.
Note: This course is offered as RUSS 392 and ENGL 392. Students may only take one of these for credit. Students with credit for RUSS 352 cannot take this course for further credit.
