Russian Language and Literature
Students who want to achieve a high level of proficiency in the Russian language and study Russian literature can pursue a minor in Russian language and literature. The program offers elementary through third-year language courses and a number of courses on 19th- and 20th-century Russian literature (in translation) on a wide variety of topics. Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad.
Russian language and literature is an independent minor administered by Global Studies. Students undertaking this minor are encouraged to consider a major in Eurasian studies (through Global Studies), comparative literature and thought, or history, all of which can be pursued with a focus on Russia and the former Soviet Union.
Contact Info
| Contact: | Mikhail Palatnik |
| Phone: | 314-935-4558 |
| Email: | palatnik@wustl.edu |
| Website: | https://artsci.wustl.edu/russian-language-and-literature-minor |
Program Faculty
Steven J. Hirsch
Professor of Practice
PhD, George Washington University
(Global Studies; Latin American Studies)
Hillel Kieval
Professor Emeritus
Gloria M. Goldstein Professor of Jewish History and Thought
PhD, Harvard University
(History; Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies)
Max J. Okenfuss
Professor Emeritus
PhD, Harvard University
(History)
Mikhail Palatnik
Senior Lecturer
MA equivalent, University of Chernovtsy
MA, Washington University
Nicole Svobodny
Teaching Professor
PhD, Columbia University
(Global Studies; Russian Literature)
James V. Wertsch
Professor Emeritus
Director Emeritus of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy
David R. Francis Distinguished Professor
PhD, University of Chicago
(Sociocultural Anthropology; Global Studies)
There is no major in Russian language and literature. Students interested in Russian are encouraged to consider a major in Eurasian studies, comparative literature and thought, or history, all of which can be pursued with a focus on Russia and the former Soviet Union.
RUSS 1501 Elementary Russian I
Interactive multimedia course designed to emphasize spoken language; includes the very latest video materials geared toward situations in contemporary post-Soviet Russian life. Also provides thorough understanding of fundamental grammar and develops reading and writing skills. Five class hours per week, plus an additional hour for conversation, review and testing.
Credit 5 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS EN: H
Typical periods offered: Fall
RUSS 1502 Elementary Russian II
Continuation of 101D (Russian 101D or the equivalent is required). Interactive multimedia course designed to emphasize spoken language; includes the very latest video materials geared toward situations in contemporary Russian life. Also provides thorough understanding of fundamental grammar and develops reading and writing skills. Five class hours per week, plus an additional hour for conversation, review, and testing. Prerequisite: Russian 101D.
Credit 5 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS EN: H
Typical periods offered: Spring
RUSS 2501 Intermediate Russian I
Designed to solidify students' control of Russian grammar and advance conversational, reading, and writing skills. Includes video materials produced in Russia and conveying an up-to-the-minute picture of contemporary Russian life.
Credit 4 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS EN: H
Typical periods offered: Fall
RUSS 2502 Intermediate Russian II
Continuation of 211D, completes comprehensive review of Russian grammar and further advances conversational, reading, writing, and listening skills. Revised textbook with new audio and video materials that convey an up-to-the-minute picture of contemporary Russian life.
Credit 4 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS EN: H
Typical periods offered: Spring
RUSS 3320 Russian Theater, Drama and Performance: From Swan Lake to Punk Prayer
This course explores performance in Russia from the wandering minstrels of medieval times to protest art of the present day. Genres include tragedy and comedy (Griboedov, Pushkin Gogol), drama (Ostrovsky, Turgenev, Chekhov), experimental theater (Stanislavsky, Evreinov, Meyerhold), ballet (Imperial, Soviet, Ballets Russes), opera (Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Shostakovich), and performance art (Futurists, Pussy Riot, Pavlensky). We also consider performativity in rituals, public events, and everyday life. Our discussions center on the analysis of short and full-length plays, critical theory, specific productions and performers, and the role that performance has played in shaping Russian culture. All readings are in English translation. No prerequisites.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD Arch: HUM Art: HUM BU: HUM, IS EN: H
Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring
RUSS 3500 The 19th-Century Russian Novel (WI)
The 19th-cenutury realistic novel elevated Russian literature to world literary significance. In this course we do close readings of three major Russian novels: Nikolai Gogol's Dead Souls, Ivan Turgenev's Fathers and Sons, and Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. While we consider a variety of formal and thematic concerns, special emphasis is placed on the social context and on questions of Russian cultural identity. Readings and discussions are supplemented by critical articles and film. This is a Writing Intensive course: workshops are required. All readings are in English translation. No prerequisites.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD, WI Arch: HUM Art: HUM BU: HUM EN: H
Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring
RUSS 3501 Third-Year Russian I
Designed to develop students' abilities in the contemporary spoken language. Conversational practice is combined with a review of grammatical concepts. Students also work with newspapers, read literary texts, and write compositions. Prerequisite: Russ 212D or equivalent.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS EN: H
Typical periods offered: Fall
RUSS 3502 Third-Year Russian II
Designed to develop students' abilities in the contemporary spoken language. Conversational practice is combined with a review of grammatical concepts. Students also work with newspapers, read literary texts, and write compositions. Prerequisite: Russ 322D or equivalent.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: LCD, LS EN: H
Typical periods offered: Spring
RUSS 3721 Dostoevsky's Novels (WI)
In this discussion-based course we focus on two of Dostoevsky's major novels: Demons (also translated as The Possessed and Devils) and The Brothers Karamazov. Our close readings of the novels are enriched by literary theory and primary documents providing socio-historical context. All readings are in English translation. No prerequisites.
Credit 3 units. A&S IQ: HUM, LCD, WI BU: HUM, IS EN: H
Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring
RUSS 3995 Russian Coursework Completed Abroad
This course is for study abroad credits.
Credit 12 units.
Typical periods offered: Fall, Spring