Slavic Languages and Literatures

Requirements for Major

The department offers two major programs:

1. Russian Language and Literature: twenty-four credits beyond RUSS 2020, including RUSS 3010, 3020, RUTR 3350, RUTR 3360, and twelve credits planned in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
2. Russian and East European Studies: thirty credits beyond RUSS 2020, including 6 credits of language study (RUSS 3010-3020 or 6 credits of another Slavic language, e.g., Polish); RUTR 2460; RUTR 3350 or 3360; PLCP 3210; HIEU 2152 or 2162; a course in Russian and/or Slavic folklore (e.g., SLFK 2120); and three additional courses planned in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies. No more than 18 of the 30 credits (i.e., 6 of the 10 courses) may be in one department. RUTR courses offered simultaneously at the 2000 and 3000 level must be taken at the 3000 level by majors.

Students in the major must maintain a satisfactory grade point in major-related courses each semester. Satisfactory is defined as an average of C (i.e., 2.000), with no grade below C-. Students not maintaining this grade point are subject to discontinuation from the major.

Requirements for Minor

The department offers two minor programs:

1. Russian Language, Literature, and Culture: seven courses planned in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies of at least three credits each beyond RUSS 1020 in Russian language, literature, culture and folklore.
2. Russian and East European Studies: seven courses planned in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies of at least three credits each beyond RUSS 1020 in Russian language, literature, culture, folklore, government, history, etc., with no more than three courses in any one department. The three-course restriction does not include RUSS 2010 and 2020; therefore, as many as 5 of the 7 courses may be taken in Slavic Languages and Literatures should the student choose to take RUSS 2010 and 2020.

Distinguished Majors Program

Students with superior academic performance (GPA 3.500 or above in the major and 3.400 overall) are encouraged to apply to the department for admission to the Distinguished Majors Program (DMP) in Russian Language, Russian Literature, or Russian and East European Studies. This program offers the exceptional student the opportunity for more rigorous and specialized work, including independent study, participation in upper-level courses, and the preparation of a senior honors thesis.

Students are normally admitted to the DMP at the end of their third year of study. See the Director of Undergraduate Studies for requirements.

College Language Requirement

The language requirement of the College of Arts and Sciences may be satisfied in Russian by successfully completing RUSS 2020, or by presenting evidence of equivalent preparation. Any incoming student or student returning from study abroad, or study at another institution, who wishes to continue Russian must take a placement test.

Additional Information

For more information, contact Mr. Mark J. Elson, Director of Undergraduate Studies, mje@virginia.edu, 261 Cabell Hall, P.O. Box 400783, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4783; (434) 924-3548; http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/slavic/index.html. 

Course Descriptions

Notes: Enrollment in 5000-level courses is normally restricted to graduate students in degree programs. Undergraduates wishing to enroll in such courses must have permission of the instructor. Graduate students should consult the Graduate Record for further information. Enrollment in all language courses (including RUSS 3040 and 3050) is subject to confirmation by placement exam at the discretion of the instructor, normally during the first week of the semester.