Studying Russian in Arts & Sciences
at Washington University in St. Louis

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Priscilla Stone

Director of Overseas Programs and Undergraduate Studies for IAS

pstone@wustl.edu

Michael Finke

Associate Professor of Russian

International and Area Studies

mcfinke@wustl.edu

Mikhail Palatnik

Senior Lecturer, Russian

palatnik@artsci.wustl.edu

Students interested in the Russian language and the cultures and social and political histories of Russia and other nations of the former Soviet Union can choose from a wide array of courses in several departments and pursue majors or minors consonant with their particular study interests.  The College offers a full four years of language courses and opportunities to acquire further mastery with study abroad; surveys of Russian literature and history from medieval times to the present; courses that research specific periods or topics in depth, often from interdisciplinary perspectives; internships and in-country study of the processes of democratization and building civil society in a newly independent state of the former Soviet Union.

 Students wishing to pursue an interdisciplinary or “area studies” approach have major and minor options through the International and Area Studies Program (IAS):

• A major in IAS.  Both the general major in International Studies and the European Studies major in IAS can be pursued with a focus on Russian or Eurasian studies—which track you choose depends on your particular interests.  These majors allow broad flexibility and can be fashioned to provide in-depth study in your interdisciplinary areas of interest.  Four semesters of language study required.  (http:/www.artsci.wustl.edu/~ias/iasmajorintro.shtml)
• A minor in IAS.  IAS offers a Minor in Russian Studies/International and Area Studies.  This minor requires four semesters of Russian language, along with 15 units of coursework at the introductory and advanced level.  (http://www.artsci.wustl.edu/~ias/russianminor.shtml) 

Students interested in a language and literature Russian major or minor might pursue one of the following programs of study:

• A Russian minor.  The Russian minor can be completed with four years of language study, or with a minimum of two years of language study and three courses in Russian language, literature or culture at or above the 300 level.  The course on Russian civilization or a comparable survey course in Russian literature or history is highly recommended.
• A special major.  Taking into account the course offerings planned over the next few years, and in consultation with an advisor, a student may submit a major of his or her own design to the College Office for approval.  A special major might involve 4 years of Russian language, the survey course on Russian culture, and four courses at the 300 level or above in literature, history or culture. (Please consult the University bulletin.)
• A major in Comparative Literature with a focus on Russian language and literature.  Third and fourth-year Russian language courses count toward that major’s requirement for advanced study in the target language.   (http://artsci.wustl.edu/%7Ecomplit/UndergradDesc.htm)

Study Abroad is highly recommended no matter which minor or major track you follow.  The College of Arts & Sciences sponsors summer and semester programs in St. Petersburg, Russia, under the auspices of the Council on International Educational Exchange; those with an interest in politics and current affairs should also consider the Washington University Summer Program in the Republic of Georgia, with its unique internships and focus on emerging democracy and civil society. (http://www.artsci.wustl.edu/%7Eoverseas/overseas.html)

The student Russian Club at Washington University, sponsored by Student Union, fosters a sense of community among those studying Russian and the cultures and histories of the Former Soviet Union; it also provides a venue to pursue a wide variety of non-academic interests.  The Russian Club has organized a number of delightful culinary experiences; lectures by high-profile speakers; relaxed movie nights, picnics, and hikes; and community service opportunities. (http:/restech.wustl.edu/~russian/)