The Russian Major
The Russian major emphasizes
integrating the study of the Russian language with an academic discipline. Russian majors can select one of two
disciplines to emphasize in their programs, literature or linguistics (the
scientific study of language). Because
it is important for every Russian major to have a knowledge of Russian culture,
the requirements include fifteen hours of study of Russian literature in the
original language. Most Russian majors
also take courses in English translation to provide an opportunity to read
longer works and to cover more material than a student can read in
Russian. Courses counting for the
linguistics discipline include “Structure of Russian” and “History of Russian”,
as well as “Old Church Slavic”.
In the freshman and sophomore years
students who are thinking of majoring in Russian should work on acquiring
skills in speaking, writing and reading Russian. The prerequisites for the major at the underclass level are:
RussA 121-122 (or qualification by examination), RussA 203-204, and RussL 209
or RussL 212. It is desirable that a
potential major complete the prerequisites by the end of the sophomore
year. The two-hundred level courses are
prerequisites for upper-level courses in Russian. A student who begins studying Russian late or who has other
constraints, may make up part of the two-hundred level work in the junior year,
or by summer study in an approved program.
Students with some native background in the Russian language should
speak to the director of undergraduate studies about appropriate substitutions
for prerequisites and requirements.
Prerequisites:
RussA 121-122 (or
qualification by examination)
RussA 203-204
RussL 209 or
212
Requirements for the major:
RussA 303-304
18 additional credits
from 300- and 400- level
literature and linguistics courses (but not
language skill courses).
Of
these 18 credits, 12 must be in Russian literature in the original language.
Certain literature courses may, with the permission of the instructor, be taken for one additional hour’s credit. Such courses involve a one-hour section each week with work in the Russian language. Students may count two one-hour credits towards the 12 hours of Russian literature in the original language required for the major.
Foreign Study
Russian
majors are encouraged to take a term of study abroad, particularly in a program
of language-study in Russia. These
highly competitive programs usually expect that a student will have finished
the equivalent of three years of language study. At Cornell this can be met in two years. Spending a summer in a U.S.-based intensive
program such as the one at Middlebury College (and doing well in it) also
enhances chances of selection.
If
you are thinking of studying Russian abroad, speak with Professor Wayles Browne
(220 Morrill Hall,
e-mail: ewb2@cornell.edu)
well in advance to ascertain which programs meet Cornell standards, and what
you should do to prepare for the experience.
Students
who study in a full-time Russian language program abroad for a semester receive
fifteen hours of general credit towards the degree. None of these hours may be used to satisfy the requirement of
twelve hours of Russian literature in the original for the major. Courses in these programs titled “Russian
literature” or “Russian history” are centered on language skills, using
literature or history as subject matter.
They are not equivalent to courses in Russian literature or history at
Cornell.
Department of Russian, 226 Morrill Hall,
255-8350.