The major in Russian language and
literature aims to provide a solid foundation in the Russian language and a
broad introduction to Russian culture, particularly literary culture, during
the Imperial, Soviet, and post-Soviet periods. Students are expected to achieve
fluency in Russian that will allow them to communicate with native speakers of
Russian in both oral and written form and to read a variety of literary and
nonliterary texts in the original. The major grounds the study of literature
within specific historical, social, and cultural contexts. It includes
the study of Russian film, music, and elements of literary and cultural
theory. It also fosters a broad interdisciplinary perspective by
encouraging students to take additional coursework in Russian history, art history, and the politics of Soviet and post-Soviet Russia.
Program Learning Goals Majors in Russian language and
literature will:
1)
have a solid foundation in the Russian
language and a broad introduction to Russian culture, particularly literary
culture, during the Imperial, Soviet, and post-Soviet periods
2)
demonstrate a grasp of critical
practices, including close readings, and an ability to analyze Russian
literature within specific historical, social, and cultural contexts
3)
be able to critically
examine how Russian literature constructs a model of reality and a particular
set of values
4)
be able to communicate
complex ideas effectively in standard written English, and to critically
evaluate sources and use the conventions of citation and attribution correctly
5)
be expected to study
Russian literature within a broad interdisciplinary perspective in order
to analyze and synthesize information and ideas from multiple sources (related
fields include comparative literature, Russian history, art history, music,
film, and the politics of Soviet and post-Soviet Russia)
6)
learn how to effectively
use tools (reference works, internet, etc.) and technology appropriate to
learning Russian. Using primary sources, they will be able to analyze issues
concerning Russia and relate them to other areas in the humanities and social
sciences.
7)
demonstrate language
proficiency at the 300-level or above, i.e., be able to communicate effectively
in the language; read a variety of literary and nonliterary texts in the
original; achieve intermediate to advanced competency in speaking, reading, and
writing; and have basic knowledge of the structure of Russian
