Russian (RUSS)

https://cola.unh.edu/languages-literatures-cultures

The Russian program provides students with an opportunity to study one of the world's most important languages, its literature and its culture. In addition to the intrinsic value of Russian language, literature and culture as a liberal arts experience, the Russian major leads to a number of careers, such as teaching, translation and interpreting, government and the Foreign Service. It is also a valuable asset in preparing for careers in law, economics and international trade, and it can serve as a double major with business administration, international affairs, homeland security, the natural and physical sciences, and other liberal arts fields such as English, history, political science, sociology, philosophy, theatre, communication, linguistics and other foreign languages.

Russian (RUSS)

RUSS 401 - Elementary Russian I

Credits: 4

For students without previous training in Russian. An introduction to contemporary standard Russian. Includes a cultural component. Topics include those which enable students to function in Russian in everyday situations (i.e. food, leisure activities, literature, transportation, music, sports, daily life).

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 402 - Elementary Russian II

Credits: 4

Attributes: Foreign Language Requirement

Prerequisite(s): RUSS 401 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 503 - Intermediate Russian I

Credits: 4

Continued work in grammar, and writing with cultural components. A review of the fundamentals of grammar and syntax. Readings and cultural material included. Topics include: the university, student life, everyday routines, holidays.

Attributes: World Cultures(Discovery); Foreign Language Requirement

Prerequisite(s): RUSS 402 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 504 - Intermediate Russian II

Credits: 4

Continued work in grammar, and writing with cultural components. A review of the fundamentals of grammar and syntax. Readings and cultural material included. Topics include: description of people, living arrangements, weather, cities, travel.

Attributes: World Cultures(Discovery); Foreign Language Requirement

Prerequisite(s): RUSS 503 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 515 - Introduction to Russia: Contemporary Society and Culture

Credits: 4

Introduction to contemporary Russian society and culture in English. Examines the "Russian mind" (as it was before 1917), the "Soviet mind," and how the two have clashed. Included is also a close examination of how Russians are adapting to the changes that have taken place in their country since the collapse of communism. Material includes readings, films, and realia. Themes to be discussed include leadership; authority and power; the Russian soul; family, women, youth, education, holidays and celebrations; and the new Russians.

Attributes: World Cultures(Discovery)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

View Course Learning Outcomes

Use an interdisciplinary approach to society and culture.
Develop cross-cultural thinking and analytic skills.
Examine Russia's diversity from different perspectives: religious, ethnic, cultural, socio-economical, and geographical.
Develop knowledge of the different traditions specific to various regions, as well as the common set of customs originating from old Russia, as well as from Soviet and post-Soviet times.
Interpret the roles that the individual, culture, and authority have played in Russian, Soviet and in post-Soviet societies.
Explain how a modern society deals with trauma from the past.
Detect the challenges that the society has been overcoming with varying degrees of success.

View Course Learning Outcomes

RUSS 521W - Devils, Deities, and Madness in Russian Literature

Credits: 4

Introduces Russian literature from a variety of perspectives. Selected works by famous and lesser known Russian writers on the themes of devils, deities, and madness. Literary texts, as well as film versions of literary texts, are considered in their historical and cultural contexts. Lectures, readings, and discussions in English. Open to all students, including freshmen.

Attributes: Humanities(Disc); Inquiry (Discovery); Writing Intensive Course

Equivalent(s): RUSS 521

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 525 - Russia: Mythology and Propaganda

Credits: 4

Exploration of the relationship between mythology and culture as a part of the cultural identity of the Russian people, before the 1917 Revolution, during the Communist period, and since the fall of the Soviet Union. Focus on pre 1917 Slavic pagan, Christian, and folk mythology vis-a-vis Western mythology, on 20C propaganda and control of the "public mind" designed to reshape national identity and on the current deconstruction, reform, and rebirth of the old mythology.

Attributes: Historical Perspectives(Disc)

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 631 - Advanced Russian Conversation and Composition

Credits: 4

Advanced spoken and written Russian designed to include all four language skills (speaking, reading, writing, listening.) Readings on contemporary cultural topics and vocabulary building. Composition and conversation based on Russian-language media and literature.

Attributes: Foreign Language Requirement

Prerequisite(s): RUSS 504 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 632 - Advanced Russian Conversation and Composition

Credits: 4

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course; Foreign Language Requirement

Prerequisite(s): RUSS 504 with a minimum grade of D-.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 691W - Readings in Russian Literature

Credits: 1-4

Linguistic and stylistic characteristics of one of the major works in Russian literature. Study of the epoch when the work was written, as well as reading the literary work and discussing it. Students learn to analyze a literary work in the target language. Readings, class discussions, and papers conducted entirely in Russian.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 733 - History of Slavic Languages and Culture

Credits: 4

Students look at modern Russian (standard and dialects) through the perspective of the history of the language. Focuses on the evolution of phonetics and grammar as well as etymology. Russian's relation to other Slavic languages is discussed. Students look at the language through the lens of history, culture, and politics.

Equivalent(s): RUSS 790

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS #790W - Advanced Language and Style

Credits: 4

For students who have a strong, active control of grammar. The most difficult problems of Russian grammar and syntax in poetry and prose. Develops confidence in expression both in everyday situations and in abstract concepts (emphasis on the latter). The course is tailored to students' major and interest (such as international affairs, history, political science, etc) so they can use the language towards their research in Russian. May be repeated for credit, barring duplication of material.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Equivalent(s): RUSS 790

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 795 - Independent Study

Credits: 1-4

Open to highly qualified juniors and seniors. To be elected only with permission of the Russian program coordinator and the supervising faculty member or members. Barring duplication of subject, may be repeated for credit.

Repeat Rule: May be repeated up to 4 times.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

RUSS 797 - Special Studies in Russian Language, Literature, and Culture

Credits: 2 or 4

Selected topics in language, literature, and culture. Barring duplication of subject, may be repeated for credit.

Attributes: Writing Intensive Course

Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.

Grade Mode: Letter Grading

Languages, Literatures and Cultures Department Faculty