Majors and Minors

Major / Minor Details

Russian (Major, Minor) | BA

  • Russian
  • School: SAS
  • Program Code: 860
  • Degree Type: BA
  • Program Type: Minor, Major
  • Program Summary: The major in Russian Language and Literature will provide you with a solid foundation in the Russian language and a broad introduction to modern Russian culture, from the nineteenth century to today. The program grounds the study of literature in specific historical, social, and cultural contexts. The major fosters a broad interdisciplinary perspective and can be combined with majors or minors in history, political science, art history, economics, business, sociology, and European studies to give you a deep expertise in the region. You will be expected to achieve a degree of fluency in Russian that will enable you to enter into dialogue with Russia—past and present—as a reader and writer, and as a speaker of a language native to over 170 million people. Coursework includes materials in the original ranging from literary classics to current journalism and other mass media. You will be encouraged to participate in the Rutgers summer program in St. Petersburg, Russia, to accelerate your fluency in the language.

  • None

  • None

  • Russian Language and Literature (860) majors may count up to two courses for the Slavic and Eastern European Studies (861) minor. Russian Language and Literature (860) minors may count up to one course for the Slavic and Eastern European Studies (861) minor.

  • We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.

    Your schedule will look something like this:

    College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits)

    Major Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

    Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits)

     Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) 

     Total Credits: 15-16

     

  • Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    		 Subject on University Schedule of Classes

    Elementary Russian

    		 01:860:101

    4

    		 Russian (860)
    Russian for Russian Speakers 01:860:207 4 Russian (860)
    Elementary Polish 01:787:101 4 Polish (787)
    Introduction to 20th Century Russian Literature 01:860:260 3 Russian (860)
    Russian and East European Science Fiction 01:860:326 3 Russian (860)
    Stories of Russian Life 01:860:348 3 Russian (860)

     

  • Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page.

    Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester.

    Course Title

    Course Number

    Credits

    Subject on University Schedule of Classes
    Introduction to World Literature 01:195:101 3 Comparative Literature (195)
    Being Human 01:195:140 3 Comparative Literature (195)

    Introduction to Film

    		 01:175:201 3 Cinema Studies (175)

    Introduction to Literary Theory 

    		 01:195:301 3 Comparative Literature (195)

     

  • The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects.

    To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one:

    1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue.
    2. In the Search By box, click the "search multiple subjects" link. Select the following departments:
      • Art History (082)
      • Comparative Literature (195)
      • History (510, 508, 512, 506)
      • Political Science (790)
    3. In Section Status, deselect Closed
    4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering.

    Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters.
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