Russian

Introduction

The Russian Program at Dickinson College has been developed as part of the liberal arts curriculum to offer the student a comprehensive and balanced mixture of language, literature, culture and civilization courses. Its purpose is to expose students to Russian literature and culture, to develop in them an appreciation for the rich literary and cultural heritage of Russia, to teach them the skill of close literary analysis, and to provide them with a basic competence in the Russian language.

Students may major or minor in Russian language and literature. Note: Since Russian combines well with many other disciplines, a student may wish to combine a major or minor in Russian with a major or minor in another foreign language or in such varied disciplines as Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Environmental Studies, History, International Business & Management, International Studies, Music, Physics, Political Science, Religion, Sociology, and others. (Students who prefer a broader, interdisciplinary approach should consider a major or minor in Russian Area Studies. See the College Bulletin at www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/russarea.html)

Advice to First-year Students

To continue studying Russian 

RUSSN 101 and RUSSN 116 are offered in the fall semester. RUSSN 104 will be available in the spring. If you have studied Russian and wish to continue, you may make preliminary registration for RUSSN 116, if you are highly motivated and have a strong background in Russian. If you have two or fewer years of Russian, you may register for RUSSN 101.

Students who have studied Russian in high school and wish to continue should take the placement test on Friday morning, August 26 and consult with the department chairman to make a final decision about which is the appropriate course. If the test indicates that: 

1. You are ready for RUSSN 116; no adjustment in your schedule will be needed.

2. You place into RUSSN 104, you will need to decide to:

a. Keep your course request in RUSSN 116 because your score was close and you are highly motivated to study Russian.

b. Change your course request to the section of RUSSN 101 offered at the same time because you would benefit from the review OR

c. Wait to enroll in RUSSN 104 in the spring; drop 116 and add another course. You may wish to audit 101 to maintain your language skills.

3. You place into RUSSN 101: you will need to change your course request. Drop 116 and add RUSSN 101.

If you wish to begin studying Russian request RUSSN 101, any section. RUSSN 101 is offered in the fall and the next course in the sequence, RUSSN 104 in the spring; you need to begin in the fall semester.

Transfer Credits Students should consult with the department chairperson to determine course equivalencies and the maximum course credits (5) allowable toward the major.

Courses that fulfill Distribution Requirements

Language Requirement: Successful completion of 116 Intermediate Russian, or a higher-level course.

Division IB: literature Any Russian literature course (including 260 Topics in Russian Studies) will satisfy the college requirement in literature.

Since a number of courses in Russian language and literature are offered on an every-other-year basis, careful planning together with the faculty in the department will facilitate a smooth experience in the program.

Co-Curricular Activities

The College has a Russian House that welcomes the application of all students, and an active Russian Club. A special Russian Table is held weekly for students who want to speak or listen to Russian in an informal setting. Russian films and cultural events are featured regularly. The Russian Department is a member of "Dobro Slovo," the National Slavic Honor Society. Students are nominated for membership on the basis of their academic standing.

Course descriptions, Requirements for the Major see www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/russian.html

In addition, majors will be encouraged to:

1. participate in the Dickinson College Summer Immersion Program in Moscow, as well as in a semester or year-long study program in Russia.

2. reside (for at least one year) in the Russian House.

3. attend Russian films, lectures and other cultural events.

Teacher Certification see www.dickinson.edu/departments/educ/

Opportunities for Off-Campus Study

Moscow Summer Immersion Program Students who have completed at least three semesters (or the equivalent) of Russian language study are strongly encouraged to participate in the five-week Russian Language Summer Immersion Program in Moscow.

Semester or Year in the Former Soviet Union

Additional Comments

Careers: Recent graduates are involved in a number of diverse activities, which include graduate study in business, law, Russian literature, Russian Area Studies, computer science, political science, and medicine. Career opportunities include government, business, non-profit organizations, teaching, publishing, sciences, and other fields.

Further Information: For further information please contact:

Prof. Elena Duzs , office: Bosler Hall 204, ext.1276; email duzs@dickinson.edu

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Updated November 15, 2005