Minor
Minor Options
The program in Russian and East European Languages and Literatures offers three tracks for minoring in Russian (860), and one interdisciplinary minor in Slavic and East European Studies (861).
NEW Minor in Slavic and East European Studies (861)
- 3 or 4 courses in Polish or Russian language. Note: Courses in other Slavic or regional languages (Ukrainian, Czech, Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian, etc.), offered via Course Share or through Study Abroad, may be substituted by special arrangement with the REELL Program Director.
- RUSSIAN: 860:101, 102, 201, 202, 207, 208, or other courses depending on placement
- POLISH: 787:101, 102, 201, 202, or higher level courses through study abroad or Course Share.
- 2 or 3 electives approved for the minor. Electives are drawn from all departments with relevant offerings, including (but not limited to) REELL, European Studies, History, Jewish Studies, Political Science, Anthropology, Geography, Art History, and comparative Literature. For a list of pre-approved classes, click here.
Please note: Students who take 4 language courses need only 2 electives. Students who take 3 language classes need 3 electives. All students need a total of 6 classes to complete the minor. At least one of your 6 classes must originate in REELL (Russian & East European - course codes 787, 860, or 861).
Program Learning Goals
Minors in Slavic and East European Studies will be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic competency in Russian or Polish (or by special arrangement, a different relevant regional language that we do not offer at Rutgers, via BTAA course share);
- Demonstrate historical, cultural, and/or policy-related knowledge of eastern Europe by completing two or three additional courses approved for this minor.
- Demonstrate a synthesis of this knowledge in at least one substantial written assignment (for any elective taken within the minor) focused on a region of eastern Europe or the former contiguous Soviet bloc, preferably a region where the language that has been the student’s focus in the minor is widely used.
Minor in Russian Language and Literature (860)
- 3 language courses beyond 101 or 207.
- 3 literature electives from 200 or above level courses offered in the department. Note: beginning in Fall 2024, students may also count up to one course approved for the Minor in Slavic and East European Studies (861) toward the Minor in Russian Language & Literature.
Program Learning Goals
Minors in Russian Language and Literature will have the ability to analyze works of literature in themselves and as the product of specific historical conditions. They will be able to critically assess sources and use the conventions of attribution and citation correctly. Depending on their entry level, they will have the ability to communicate in Russian and read original texts. All will have a basic understanding of the nature of the Russian language and the diversity of its speakers.
Minor in Russian Language (860)
- 5 language courses beyond 101 or 207 [One semester of the Practicum may count towards this requirement]
- 1 literature course with readings in Russian, to be chosen from the following: 315, 401, 402, 403, 404, or 407 (a different course that requires reading texts in Russian, such as 01:860:332 or 01:860:433, may fulfill this requirement upon approval from the Program Director)
Program Learning Goals
Minors in Russian Language will have a solid understanding of the Russian language and be able to communicate effectively in oral and written forms. They will also be able to read literature and other texts in the original. All will have a basic understanding of the nature of the Russian language and the diversity of its speakers.
Minor in Russian Literature (No knowledge of Russian necessary) (860)
- 2 surveys: 259 and 260
- 4 electives in Russian literature or culture offered in the department. Note: beginning in Fall 2024, students may also count one course approved for the Minor in Slavic and East European Studies (861) toward the Minor in Russian Literature.
Program Learning Goals
Minors in Russian Literature will have the ability to analyze works of literature in themselves and as the product of specific historical conditions. They will be able to critically assess sources and use the conventions of attribution and citation correctly. Minors are also encouraged to study Russian literature within a larger European and global context by taking courses in Comparative Literature and other national literatures.
Looking instead to major in Russian? Click here!
Questions?
Contact the REELL Program Director, Professor Chloë Kitzinger at