2017-18 Academic Catalog

Students considering language study outside the Western European offerings will find Russian a refreshing change. In our first-year sequence we cover the fundamentals with equal emphasis on speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Traditional materials are supplemented by fairy tales, folk songs, rock music video, film clips and internet materials. By the end of Russian 204, students are able to read short prose by Chekhov, Dostoevsky, and Tolstoy, and to communicate functionally with native speakers. Language courses beyond 204 address contemporary Russian cultural and social issues while focusing on skill development at the intermediate (205), and advanced level. Students with pre-college Russian, either acquired or native, should consult the department for placement information.

Literature and Cultural Studies

We teach a variety of courses in English translation with no prerequisites (230-295). Courses at the 330-395 level that are conducted entirely in Russian aim to expand students' linguistic range as well as their understanding of analytical techniques and cultural contexts. See individual listings below for prerequisites.

Requirements for the Russian Major

  66 credits, including the following:

• Russian 205 (6 credits);
• 207 or 307 or the equivalent (4 credits);
• 12 credits in English: (Russian courses numbered 150 or above or Cinema and Media Studies 237);
• 18 credits numbered 330 or above, six of which will normally be Russian 395
• LCST 245 The Critical Toolbox (6 credits)
  In consultation with their advisor, students may substitute a comparable methods course in a different field, including:
  
  • ENGL 295 Critical Methods
  • HIST 200 History Workshop
  • HIST 298 Junior Year History Colloquium
  • POSC 230 Methods of Political Research
  • SOAN 240 Methods of Social Research
  • WGST 200 Gender, Power and the Pursuit of Knowledge
  • WGST 234 Feminist Theory
• Electives: 17 credits   
  Elective credits may be selected from Russian courses numbered 204 or above and History 240-242
• the integrative exercise (3 credits)
  

Courses 101, 102 and 103 do not count toward the major.

Study Abroad: Participation in foreign study programs is highly recommended. Consult the "Off-Campus Studies" section of the catalog for a description of the Carleton Moscow Program. Departmental approval of credit for participation in non-Carleton overseas programs should be sought before leaving campus.

Language House: Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language by living in Parish House. A native Russian Resident Associate provides opportunities for conversation practice and assists students in organizing a variety of cultural activities.

Requirements for the Russian Minor

36 credits with a grade of C- or better, including:

• Russian 205 and
• twelve credits numbered 330 or above.
• Elective credits may be chosen from among
  
  • other offerings in the Russian section,
  • Cinema and Media Studies 237 and
  • History 240-242.

Courses 101, 102 and 103 do not count toward the minor.

Russian Courses