College: Arts and Sciences

This major focuses on the study of the Russian language, literature, and culture. Students gain proficiency in Russian, gain a deep understanding of Russian literature, and explore the cultural and historical contexts of Russian literary works. Graduates are prepared for careers in education, translation, cultural studies, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop proficiency in the Russian language, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
• Gain a deep understanding of Russian literature, including key authors, works, and literary movements.
• Explore the cultural and historical contexts of Russian literary works.
• Analyze and interpret Russian literary texts and cultural artifacts.
• Develop critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills for effective literary and cultural analysis.

Main Plan:

1. Introduction to Russian Language and Literature
   • An overview of the Russian language, its structure, and basic grammar.
   • Introduction to key works and authors in Russian literature.
2. Intermediate Russian Language
   • Grammar, vocabulary, and advanced conversation skills.
   • Techniques to improve fluency and accuracy in Russian.
3. Survey of Russian Literature
   • A survey of Russian literature from its origins to the present.
   • Analysis of key authors, works, and literary movements.
4. Advanced Russian Language
   • In-depth study of Russian grammar, syntax, and style.
   • Techniques for achieving near-native proficiency in Russian.
5. Russian Cultural Studies
   • Exploration of Russian culture, history, and society.
   • Analysis of cultural artifacts, traditions, and historical events.
6. Analysis of Russian Literature
   • Principles of literary analysis and criticism.
   • Techniques for interpreting and evaluating Russian literary texts.
7. Special Topics in Russian Literature
   • In-depth study of specific authors, periods, or themes in Russian literature.
   • Analysis of specialized literary genres or movements.
8. Practical Training in Russian Language and Literature
   • Real-world experiences in Russian language and literature, including study abroad programs, internships, and cultural immersion projects.
   • Application of acquired skills in practical linguistic and literary scenarios.
9. Capstone Project in Russian Language and Literature
   • A comprehensive project to apply skills in literary analysis, cultural studies, or language proficiency.
   • Presentation of a polished literary analysis, cultural study, or translation project.

Assessment Methods:

• Language proficiency tests, literary analysis papers, cultural studies reports, translation projects, internship reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Russian: Basic Grammar" by Terence Wade.
• "Comprehensive Russian Grammar" by Terence Wade.
• "The Master and Margarita" by Mikhail Bulgakov.
• "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
• "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy.
• "Russian Literature" by various authors.
• "Russian Cultural Studies" by various authors.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of Russian or a strong interest in learning the language and literature. Suitable for students interested in Russian language, literature, and culture.

Duration of the Major:

Typically 4 years to obtain a Bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practical training, and internships. Additional advanced language courses or study abroad programs may be required to achieve advanced proficiency.

Certification:

Graduates can obtain a degree in Russian Language and Literature and pursue further education or professional certifications in related fields, such as a Master's degree in Russian studies, literature, or related disciplines. Certifications from organizations like the American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR) may also be obtained.

Target Audience:

Aspiring teachers, translators, cultural studies specialists, literary analysts, and individuals seeking to work in education, translation, cultural studies, and related fields. This major provides students with the linguistic, literary, and cultural analysis skills necessary to excel in Russian language and literature, supporting careers in education, translation, cultural studies, and related fields.