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Bachelor of Arts in Russian Language and Literature

Bachelor of Arts in Russian Language and Literature offers students a deep exploration of the language, history and cultures of contemporary Russian- speaking societies. Students are able to fully immerse themselves in Russian culture, language and a close-knit community. Through language acquisition, cultural investigation and professional growth, graduates become well-rounded global citizens prepared for a variety of careers.

Russian

Offered by the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC), the Russian major prepares students for careers that require an understanding of Russian language and culture. The integrated curriculum aims to help students achieve a high level of proficiency in Russian. Additionally, majors demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the cultures of the Russian Federation as well as Russian-speaking communities throughout the world, including literature, history, art, cuisine, traditions and more.

View the 4-Year Academic Plan

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Special Programs

The Maya Brin Residency Program brings leading Russian scholars, artists and cultural figures to campus for in-depth engagement with students. The Maya Brin Scholarship for Cultural Competency offers support for pursuing advanced proficiency in Russia.

Study Abroad

For information on study abroad programs contact your undergraduate advisor and UMD Education Abroad.

Requirements for the Major

Prerequisite Courses

Language-acquisition courses (RUSS101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302) must be taken sequentially.  Once credit has been received in a higher-level language acquisition or grammar course, a lower-level course may not be taken for credit.

  • RUSS101 and 102, or
  • RUSS111, 112, 113, 114, or
  • Equivalent preparatory coursework (determined by faculty)

Russian Courses

  • RUSS201: Intermediate Russian I (5 credits)
  • RUSS202: Intermediate Russian II (5 credits)
  • RUSS301: Advanced Russian I (3 credits)
  • RUSS302: Advanced Russian II (3 credits)
  • RUSS3XX: One additional course at the 300 level (3 credits)
  • RUSS401: Advanced Russian Composition (3 credits)
  • RUSS402: Practicum in Written Russian (3 credits)
  • RUSS4XX: One additional course at the 400 level (3 credits)

Elective Courses

  • RUSS3XX: One course at the 300 level (3 credits)
  • RUSS4XX: One course at the 400 level (3 credits)
  • RUSSXXX: Any other course from departmental offerings (3 credits)
  • RUSSXXX: Any other course from departmental offerings (3 credits)

Amplifying Course Information

  • One supporting course from outside the major (300-level or higher) may be counted toward the elective course requirement if it is approved by a departmental advisor.
  • Slavic courses may be used to satisfy elective course requirements.
  • Transfer credits from study abroad or another U.S. institution may count toward the major with departmental approval.
  • Students who are interested in enrolling in a Russian course that appears closed or waitlisted should contact either the faculty member or an undergraduate advisor for Russian for permission to enroll.
     

General Information

  • Native or heritage speakers wishing to enroll in Russian courses or seeking to major in Russian should first consult with an undergraduate advisor.
  • A majority of students participate in study abroad programs.
  • Russian majors are eligible to live in Language House Living and Learning Program.
  • Many students pursue a double-major or double-degree in Russian and another discipline, such as international relations, business, history, economics, journalism, engineering, etc.

Russian Program Director and Advisor

Elizabeth Papazian

School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Associate Professor, Russian Program Head, Advisor, Russian
Associate Professor, Cinema and Media Studies

4123 Jiménez Hall
College Park MD, 20742

Additional Resources