Jan 22, 2026  
Undergraduate Record 2025-2026 
    
Undergraduate Record 2025-2026

Slavic Languages and Literatures, B.A.


Universal Curriculum Requirements


To be awarded a degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, students are required to complete universal curriculum requirements in addition to the program requirements provided below. The school universal curriculum requirements can be found on the school Degree Programs page .

Requirements for Major


The department offers two concentrations:

  • Both concentrations require courses beyond the following:

  • Credits: 4

  • Both concentrations require the following courses to be taken beyond RUSS 2020:

  • Credits: 3
  • Credits: 3

  • In addition to RUSS 2020, 3010, and 3020, students must complete the following for the Russian Language and Literature concentration:

  • Credits: 3
  • OR

  • Credits: 3
  • Additional twelve credits planned in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

  • Students must complete the following for the Russian and East European Studies concentration with thirty credits beyond RUSS 2020:

    • These 30 credits include 6 credits of language study (RUSS 3010-3020 or 6 credits of another Slavic language, e.g., Polish
  • Credits: 3
  • Credits: 3
  • Credits: 3
  • A course in Russian and/or Slavic folklore
  • Three additional courses planned in consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies
  • NOTE:  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.


    Grading Standards:

    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