Russian Literature and Culture

RUSSIAN LITERATURE AND CULTURE

(Barnard equivalent: Russian Language and Literature*)

The major in Russian Literature and Culture is designed to make you conversant with a variety of Russian literary, historical and theoretical texts in the original, and to give you a critical understanding of Russian literature, culture, and society. It is addressed to students who would like to complement serious literary studies with intensive language training. If you plan to pursue an academic career (PhD program) in the field of Russian literature or culture, this is the major for you.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

The program consists of 15 courses, 6 of which meet language requirements. Of the remaining 9 courses, 3 are introductory surveys in Russian literature and culture (in translation), and the other 6 are electives, chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. The course requirements are distributed as follows:

Course List

·     Six semesters of coursework in Russian language (from first- through third-year Russian) or the equivalent.
·     Select three of the following surveys; two of which must be in Russian literature (RUSS UN3220 and RUSS UN3221)

  • RUSS UN3220  Literature and Empire (19th-century literature)     
  • RUSS UN3221  Literature and Revolution (20th-century literature)
  • RUSS UN3223  Magical Mystery Tour: The Legacy of Old Rus'   
  • SLCL UN3001   Slavic Cultures      
  • RUSS GU4006  Russian Religious Thought, Praxis, and Literature     
  • CLSL GU4011  Experimental Cultures 
  • CLRS GU4022  Russia and Asia: Orientalism, Eurasianism, Internationalism     
  • CLSL GU4075  Soviet and Post-Soviet, Colonial Post-Colonial Film
  • RUSS GU4107  Russian Literature and Culture in the New Millenium
  • HSSL GU4280  Religion in Russia: Culture, History and Institution.

·     Six additional courses in Russian literature, culture, history, film, art, music, or in advanced Russian language, chosen in consultation with the director of undergraduate studies. At least one course should be taught in Russian     

NOTES:

  • Students considering graduate study in Russian literature are strongly advised to complete 4 years of language training.
     
  • To complement these courses, students are urged to spend a semester, year, or summer, studying abroad. The Russian Language Coordinator is available to help you choose a suitable program.