In an effort to better meet your particular needs and interests, we offer two major options, which take
advantage of several existing strengths at Rutgers. These include the unique collections of Russian and
Soviet art at the Zimmerli Art Museum, our strong program in Russian History, a dynamic Center for
Comparative European Studies, and a strong faculty in Russian language and literature who are
committed to undergraduate education.
The option in Russian Literature fosters language proficiency and exposes students to a wide variety
of literary works in the original language. The option in Russian Literature and History examines the
constant and extensive interaction between literature and history. Both major options emphasize
language proficiency and we actively encourage our students to study in Russia.
Students who graduate with a major in any of our options may go on to study literature or linguistics
in graduate school, or pursue a career in international affairs or business. Because of their training in
research, critical thinking, and writing, students are also prepared for law school and other professional
schools.
We invite you to come and discuss your interest in our program.
The Rutgers department is home to several experienced and skilled language instructors.
The instructors at Rutgers believe in using a variety of methods and materials to introduce students
to Russian language and to strengthen their language skills. Both grammar and conversational skills
are emphasized and students are expected to express these skills in a variety of formats. Students at
different levels are expected to watch and respond to movies and videos and may become part of
theatre and video productions themselves. In advanced courses students are responsible for reading
and discussing contemporary and classical Russian texts and contemporary Russian politics.
In upper level courses the internet becomes an important resource for current information on Russian
politics and culture, and students will be expected to undertake searches and to present
their findings in class. At the different instructional levels student presentations are part of the fun
and are a required component of the course. Each instructor does his or her best to create a
comfortable and engaging atmosphere in which students develop and hone their language skill


MAJOR OPTIONS:
1.

Russian Language and Literature (major and minor)
2.

Russian Literature and History



RUSSIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE MAJOR
36 credits beyond 201-202

REQUIRED CORE COURSES (18 CREDITS)
860:205 Intro. to Russian Lit.
860:301, 302 Third Year Russian
860:401, 402 Fourth Year Russian
860:486 Seminar in Russian Lit.
CHOOSE 15 CREDITS OF ELECTIVES (each worth 3 credits)
860: 320, 321 Special Topics in Russian Studies
860:322 Russian Short Story
860:326 Russian Drama
860:327, 328 The Russian Novel I, II
860: 330 Dostoevsky
860:332 Russian Poetry
860:335 Landscapes of the Mind: Country and City in Russian Lit. and Art
860:336 The Art and Literature of the Soviet Period and the Varieties of Nonconformism
860:337 Ideology and the Construction of Fact: Soviet Cinema and the Historical Record
860:433 Pushkin and His Age
860:435 Sexuality and the Construction of Gender in Russian Literature
CHOOSE 3 CREDITS FROM THE FOLLOWING:
860: 338, 339 Zimmerli Museum internship in Russian Art
860: 491, 492 Russian Practicum



MINOR IN RUSSIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
18 credits : 3 courses of 3 or more credits each in the Russian language beyond 102 or 108 and 3 courses in
Russian literature. At least three courses must be at the 300 or 400 level. All minors must be approved by a
departmental adviser.


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RUSSIAN LITERATURE AND HISTORY
36 credits from the combined disciplines
REQUIRED CORE COURSES (24 credits)
LANGUAGE COURSES beyonf 860:202 (9 credits):
860:301, 302 Third Year Russian (6 credits) and
860:401 Advanced Russian (3 credits)and
COURSES IN RUSSIAN HISTORY OR POLITICAL SCIENCE (9 credits)
(3 credits each, some substitutions are permitted)
790:380 Russian and Central European Political Thought
510: 373 State and Society in Imperial Russia
510: 375 Revolutionary Russia and the Soviet Union
SENIOR SEMINAR AND SENIOR THESIS
860: 486, 487 Senior Seminar and Senior Thesis (6 credits)
CHOOSE 12 CREDITS OF ELECTIVES:
(3 credits each)
860: 320 Special Topics in Russian Studies
860:327,328 The Russian Novel I, II
860: 330 Dostoevsky
860:335 Landscapes of the Mind: Country and City in Russian Literature and Art
860:336 The Art and Literature of the Soviet Period and the Varieties of Nonconformism
860:337 Ideology and the Construction of Fact: Soviet Cinema and the Historical Record
860:433 Pushkin and His Age
860:435 Sexuality and the Construction of Gender in Russian Literature
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CERTIFICATE IN RUSSIAN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
Any student may earn a certificate of proficiency in Russian after successfully completing (B or better) work in
the following courses (12 credits):
Required:
860: 301, 302 Third Year Russian
860:401, 402 Fourth Year Russian
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