波士顿大学

The major in Russian Language & Literature expects students to attain a high level of proficiency (ACTFL intermediate-high) in speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension in Russian; it trains them to work with primary sources in Russian and to navigate challenging real-life situations. It also provides them with a solid grounding in Russian literature, culture, history, and politics. Russian majors are given the flexibility to follow their specific interests. While some will be drawn to the Russian literary and cultural tradition, others will choose to focus on the historical and political conditions that inform Russia’s place in the world today; yet others will prioritize advanced language proficiency. The Russian faculty is prepared to help students find the right pathway through the major to accommodate these various emphases. The Russian major works well on its own or as a double major with other disciplines, such as international relations, history, English, comparative literature, European studies, and political science.

Russian majors go on to careers in international business, academics, advocacy, politics, journalism, law, government, publishing, and the arts, among many other areas. Russian is spoken by more than 250 million people in the world today, including approximately 3 million people in the US. It remains the Lingua Franca of the vast geographical area that constituted the former Soviet Union. The Russian major is designed to open up access to these cultures and worlds. In today’s larger geopolitical context, where Russia plays a crucial role in world events, there is an urgent need for experts on Russian politics, history, and culture.

Learning Outcomes: Advanced knowledge of major themes and genres in Russian literature and culture in their historical contexts, including links to other European and world literary traditions; Critical thinking, communication, and writing skills within areas of content and cultural knowledge; Familiarity with fundamental research skills for Russian studies, including use of traditional and electronic sources; Proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension in Russian at the intermediate-high level as measured by ACTFL guidelines.