Since 1992, Washington and Lee has offered an interdisciplinary
major in Russian Studies, whose purpose is to introduce students to many
aspects of Russian civilization. The major's core component is the study
of Russian language and literature, which is supplemented by Russian-related
course work drawn from a variety of other disciplines, including art, anthropology,
economics, history, politics, and sociology. Students interested in
pursuing the major should begin Russian language instruction as early as
possible, preferably in the freshman year, since third-year language proficiency
is required for the major. Language courses are taught by two faculty
members, who are assisted by a visiting Russian scholar.
Students who major in Russian Studies are encouraged to study
the Russian language in Russia for at least one term. They may take Russian
363 (Supervised Study Abroad), which is taught at a Russian university,
for six credits during the six-week spring term, when there is sufficient
faculty and student interest. In recent years a number of Washington
and Lee students have also enrolled directly in universities in St. Petersburg
and Moscow for a term or an entire academic year.
For the exceptional student, there is also an honors
program requiring a thesis based upon original research.
The Russian Studies major requires the completion of a
total of at least 31 course credits, not including Russian language courses
at the 100 and 200 level. Most courses grant three credits. Six of
the 31 credits must be in Russian language and literature at the 300 level
(third year) or higher. Students must also take a one-credit bibliographic
resources course (Russian Studies 190), preferably during their freshman
or sophomore year. In addition, majors take 12 credits in history, literature
in translation, and politics from those courses designated below as Russian
Studies courses; at least one course must be taken in each of those three
areas. The remaining 12 credits are chosen from other Russian Studies courses
not used to satisfy the above requirements.
Listed below are all of the courses offered at Washington
and Lee that confer Russian Studies credit. All courses grant three credits
unless otherwise indicated. Please also note that hyphenated courses (Russian
111-112 and 261-262) are taught over two terms. The second half of a hyphenated
course (for example, Russian 112) must be completed to receive credit for
the first half (Russian 111). All other courses are taught in one term.
A few are offered only in alternating years. See the current
course offerings for Russian Studies courses that are being taught
this term. For brief descriptions of each course listed below, consult
the catalogue of the University, which is included in the
Registrar's home page.
Literature in Translation 215 -- 20th-Century Russian Literature
in Translation
Literature in Translation 263 -- 19th-Century Russian Literature
in Translation
Literature in Translation 363 -- Russian Literature Seminar.
This course may be repeated for major credit if the topics are different.
Topics include, but are not limited to:
Autobiography in Russian Literature
Russian Literature and Revolution
Politics 223 -- The Commonwealth of Independent States
Politics 357 -- Strategic Intelligence
Russian 111-112 (for a total of five credits if the student
has two or more entrance units in Russian; otherwise eight credits) --
Elementary Russian