The course listing represents a sampling of courses taught by the faculty in this department in the 2009-10 academic year. To select courses for Fall 2009, see the catalog listing; similarly, for Spring 2010 refer to the relevant catalog.
RUSS-101 - Elementary Russian
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 5 hours
An introduction to contemporary Russian, providing students with basic cultural literacy and an active command of the fundamentals of the language: speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. We employ a wide variety of authentic materials (literary and web-based texts, videos, movies, cartoons, music) as a window onto the vibrant reality of modern Russia. Regular language lab work.
Note: Students who cannot begin Elementary Russian in the fall may place into RUSS 102 by successfully completing Winter Term Intensive Russian.
RUSS-102 - Elementary Russian
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 5 hours
An introduction to contemporary Russian, providing students with the basic cultural literacy and an active command of the fundamentals of the language: speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. We employ a wide variety of authentic materials (literary and web-based texts, videos, movies, cartoons, music) as a window onto the vibrant reality of modern Russia. Regular language lab work.
Prerequisite: RUSS 101 or equivalent is prerequisite for RUSS 102. Note: Students who cannot begin Elementary Russian in the fall may place into RUSS 102 by successfully completing Winter Term Intensive Russian.
RUSS-203 - Intermediate Russian
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
Review and refinement of the essentials of grammar and vocabulary, and continued development of reading, aural/oral skills, and writing through a variety of texts that further expand cultural competence.
Prerequisite: RUSS 102 or equivalent. Note: Students must also enroll in RUSS 205/206.
RUSS-204 - Intermediate Russian
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
First (203) and Second (204) Semester. Review and refinement of the essentials of grammar and vocabulary, and continued development of reading, aural/oral skills, and writing through a variety of texts that further expand cultural competence.
Prerequisite: RUSS 102 or equivalent. Note: Students must also enroll in RUSS 205/206.
RUSS-205 - Conversational Russian
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 1 hour
Regular systematic opportunity to speak Russian. Everyday topics or dialogs. Small groups. Two meetings per week.
Note: Required for students enrolled in RUSS 203/204.
RUSS-206 - Conversational Russian
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 1 hour
First (205) and Second (206) Semester. Regular systematic opportunity to speak Russian. Everyday topics or dialogs. Small groups. Two meetings per week.
Note: Required for students enrolled in RUSS 203/204.
RUSS-305 - Russian Civilization From Rurik to the Golden Age
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This advanced language course investigates the roots of Russian Culture, from Kievan Rus' through the rise of the Russian Empire. Readings in the original develop specialized vocabulary in history, literature, music and the arts. Assignments focus on advanced syntax and semantics to refine grammatical usage.
Prerequisite: RUSS 204 or equivalent or consent of the instructor.
RUSS-306 - Russian Civilization from Pre-Revolution to Post Soviet Russia
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This advanced language course explores topics in Russian history, politics and literature from the Silver Age through the 1990's. Readings in the original introduce major influences in theater, film and belles lettres. Assignments focus on expanding written and oral fluency through advanced grammar topics.
Prerequisite: RUSS 204 or equivalent.
RUSS-309 - Advanced Conversation and Composition
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 1 hour
Regular systematic opportunity for third-year students to speak Russian. Cultural and everyday topics. One meeting per week. Recommended for all third-year students.
Prerequisites: RUSS 204 and RUSS 206 or consent of instructor. Notes: Required for majors enrolled in RUSS 305/306. May be repeated for credit. P/NP/CR/NE grading only.
RUSS-310 - Advanced Conversational Russian
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 1 hour
Regular systematic opportunity for third-year students to speak Russian. Cultural and everyday topics. One meeting per week.
Prerequisites: RUSS 204 and RUSS 206 or consent of instructor. Notes: Required for majors enrolled in RUSS 305/306. May be repeated for credit. P/NP/CR/NE grading only. Recommended for all third-year students.
RUSS-213 - Russian Modernism: The Aesthetic Utopia
Offered: Second Semester, 2010-2011Credit Hours: 3 hours
The decades that preceded and followed Russia's 1917 revolution witnessed an unprecedented artistic explosion as Russian writers, artists, composers and choreographers assumed leading roles among the European avant-garde. This course will explore their innovations and the inter-relationships among the various disciplines that characterized the aesthetic utopia known as Russian modernism.
RUSS-411 - Special Topics: Women in Contemporary Russian Literature and Society
Offered: First SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
This course focuses on the representation of women in contemporary Russian fiction, film, and popular media, exploring such issues as family dynamics/motherhood, sexuality, work, and women's relationship to the state. Readings will include works by several prominent contemporary female authors (Petrushevskaia, Ulitskaia, Vasilenko, Tolstaia), as well a detektiv (featuring Russia?s first female detective) by Aleksandra Marinina. The course will also look at the contribution of women to contemporary Russian rock and pop music.
RUSS 305 and 306 (or concurrent enrollment) or the equivalent.
RUSS-446 - Senior Seminar: Perspectives on Contemporary Russian Culture
Offered: Second SemesterCredit Hours: 3 hours
We will study recent film and literature in an attempt to understand the dynamics of the Putin era. Seminar format.
RUSS-505 - Honors in Russian
Offered: First Semester, Second SemesterCredit Hours: 1-6 hours
Consent of instructor required.
RUSS-995 - Private Reading
Offered: First Semester, Second SemesterCredit Hours: 0.5-3 hours
Signed permission of the instructor required.
To register for a private reading, the student must obtain the signatures of the instructor and department chair on a private reading card and turn the card in to the Office of the Registrar.
