Russian Studies (BA, minor)

Program Overview

The Russian Studies program offers a broad range of instruction that combines language training with courses (taught in English) that provide exposure to Russian literature and culture. Language instruction extends from the beginning through the advanced level. Instruction stresses the basic skills—comprehension, speaking, reading and writing—and aims primarily to develop practical competency in two semesters. For heritage speakers of Russian, the course sequence Russian for Russians makes it possible to gain basic reading and writing competency. Russia’s literature and culture are introduced in a permanent sequence of lower- and upper-level courses.

The BA in Russian Studies offers two tracks: Cultural Studies and Area Studies. Students can also minor in Russian.

Degrees Offered

• BA in Russian Studies: Literary and Cultural Studies
• BA in Russian Studies: Area Studies

Minors

• Russian

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

There is an honors program available for students who meet the academic requirement. Students are encouraged to attend a study-abroad program in Russia for a summer, semester or academic year.

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

• RUSS 215 - Slavic Folklore

  This course explores the discipline of folkloristics using the content of Slavic folklore, comparing it at relevant times to American or European-rooted folklore. Content includes mythology; life, birth, and death rituals; calendrical festivals; folk tales; superstitions, proverbs, riddles, and other genres of the Slavic oral tradition. offered every other yr./ 4cr. Levels: Undergraduate

• RUSS 110 - Russian Culture & Civilization

  Examines political, historical and cultural developments that have shaped Russian civilization and national identity, including Russia�s interactions with other cultures from its beginnings to the present. Considers as artifacts of Russian culture folklore, literary and philosophical texts, art, architecture, music, dance, film, rituals and social conventions. No knowledge of Russian necessary. Taught in English. 4cr. Levels: Undergraduate

• RUSS 321 - 19th Cent Russ Lit in Trans

  Development of 19th-century Russian literature. Analysis of works by major authors such as Pushkin, Gogol, Lermontov, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Chekhov. Lecture and discussion. 4cr. Levels: Undergraduate

After You Graduate

Binghamton University graduates in our program have pursued further studies in international law and governance, history, and Russian language and culture at the graduate level. Many have spent a year in Russia on the Fulbright or as English-language teachers.

For more information, visit the Russian Studies website.