Minor in Russian

The minor in Russian is for students who seek to become proficient in the Russian language and acquire a good grasp of Russian cultural trends. In our introductory and intermediate Russian language courses, we use textbooks supplemented with authentic materials (short stories, poems, videos, songs, advertisements, magazines and newspapers, menus, etc.). Both culture courses in translation and advanced language and culture courses taught in Russian are offered. Students are encouraged to study abroad in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or elsewhere. Graduating Russian minors can go on to jobs in government, business, and nonprofits, and to graduate programs in Russian area studies.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate proficiency in speaking, oral comprehension, reading, and writing of Russian at the ACFTL Intermediate Low-Mid level (many students will reach Intermediate High), and the ability to use these skills in a range of academic and everyday situations.
• Demonstrate familiarity with Russophone literature, film, and popular culture, with attention to its historical and cultural context.
• Demonstrate the ability to formulate an organized, well-supported argument in writing; to write clearly and persuasively in various genres; and to locate and cite effective secondary materials in writing.
• Demonstrate adequate vocabulary and sensitivity to explain and adapt to differences among various Russophone cultural contexts.

Requirements

Prerequisites

• CAS LR 111
• CAS LR 112
• CAS LR 211
• or equivalent proficiency

Required Courses

• Six 4-unit courses numbered CAS LR 212 and above

Students placed higher in the language sequence, according to placement test results, should begin with the appropriate level for them.

A grade of C or higher is required in all courses taken toward the minor.

Students may include up to three transfer courses from other colleges, universities, or non–Boston University study abroad programs (but only with approval of the minor advisor) and must take a minimum of three courses on the Charles River Campus. Internships taken through Boston University or other study abroad programs may not be credited toward the minor.

Hub: Courses taken for the Russian minor will ordinarily also satisfy BU Hub requirements in Philosophical, Aesthetic, and Historical Interpretation; Diversity, Civic Engagement, and Global Citizenship; and Communication, along with requirements in the Intellectual Toolkit.