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Russian Courses

Check the undergraduate catalog for further details.  See the Class Schedule for courses currently offered.  
RUSS 101
Basic Russian I
An introduction to Russian. Emphasis is on structure, comprehension, speaking skills and reading skills. Video provides exposure to idiomatic Russian language, as well as an introduction to Russian culture and society.
RUSS 102
Basic Russian I
Continuation of RUSS 101. Further development of grammar, reading, conversation and listening comprehension skills, based on authentic material from Russian culture and civilization.
RUSS 201
Basic Russian III
Further development of linguistic structure of Russian in a social and cultural context. Emphasis is on comprehension and speaking skills.
RUSS 202
Continuing Russian I
Continuation of RUSS 201.
RUSS 301
Continuing Russian II
Class discussion and written composition on the basis of thematically arranged topics; emphasis on complex grammatical structures, composition and vocabulary building.
RUSS 302
Continuing Russian III
Continuation of RUSS 301.
RUSS 315
Studies in Russian Film
Major cinematic trends from the earliest periods to the contemporary era. Emphasis on the feature film as an art form, a social documentary and a means of persuasion. Topics to be announced each semester the course is offered. Taught in English or Russian, as announced each semester. Recommended Preparation: a film course and RUSS 202.
RUSS 321
The Russians’ World – I
This intermediate-level course aims to increase students’ abilities in reading comprehension, conversational and cultural competence, and grammatical accuracy. Special emphasis is placed on expanding vocabulary, through a study of the customs, interests, and traditions of the Russian people. Taught in Russian.
RUSS 322
The Russians’ World – II
RUSS 322 is a continuation of RUSS 321. As such, it aims to increase students’ abilities in reading comprehension, conversational and cultural competence, and grammatical accuracy. There is continued emphasis on expanding vocabulary through a study of the customs, interests, and traditions of the Russian people. Taught in Russian.
RUSS 332
Structure of Russian
An investigation of the phonological and morphological structure of Russian, with special emphasis on noun and verb inflection. Notes: Highly recommended: LING 210.
RUSS 401
Advanced Russian I
An advanced Russian language course in the four language skills (listening, reading, speaking and writing) with focus on sociocultural issues and current events in Russia. In addition to regular oral practice, the course will include such activities as formal oral presentations and expository writing.
RUSS 402
Advanced Russian II
Continuation of RUSS 401, with more attention to the development of writing skills.
RUSS 415
Political Russian
The course is intended for advanced students of Russian who wish to acquire, on the basis of authentic texts, the specialized vocabulary of international relations, economics, trade, and national security. The course also emphasizes the more complex grammatical constructions typical of these registers and introduces techniques of translation.
RUSS 419
Theory and Practice of Translation
Introduction to methods and techniques of translation (English to Russian and Russian to English). Discussion of selected problems of contrastive grammar and comparative stylistics and lexicon, with practical exercises in translation. Students work with materials from their individual fields of specialization (e.g., politics, science, medicine, business).
RUSS 425
Advanced Russian through Song
An advanced culture course, taught in Russian, structured around a richly annotated corpus of songs, from 1930s popular music to bards, rock and other contemporary forms. The songs are supplied with a full pedagogical apparatus and a broad range of contextual content in various media.