Russian Area Studies
The Russian Area Studies major will provide an in-depth understanding of the Russian culture by completion of a number of required courses selected by the major's committee.
The curriculum requires a series of language courses to be taken at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels, as well as the department capstone course.
In addition to the language courses, a certain number of courses taken outside of the Modern Languages and Literature Department are required. These additional courses will complement the intensive language courses and allow for an extensive understanding of the Russian culture. Each student who pursues this major is required to complete a minimum of 32 units from the courses in the following areas: language, literature, history and special topics (the latter can be taken under Independent Studies aegis). Students are also required to study abroad in Russia for a semester. Depending on which study abroad program is selected, the total number of units will be 44-46.
Major (Self-Designed) in Russian Area Studies
The Russian Area Studies major will provide an in-depth understanding of the Russian culture by completion of a number of required courses selected by the major's committee.
The major's curriculum requires a series of language courses to be taken at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, as well as the department capstone course.
In addition to the language courses, a certain number of courses taken outside of the Modern Language Department will be required. These additional courses will complement the intensive language courses and will allow for an extensive understanding of the Russian culture. Each student who pursues this major will be required to complete a minimum of 32 units from the courses in the following areas: language, literature, history, and special topics (the latter can be taken under Independent Studies aegis). The student will also be required to study abroad in Russia for a semester. Pending on which study abroad program is selected, the total number of units will be 44-46.
Self-designed Russian Area Studies major will provide the student with the opportunity of perfecting his/her language skills as well as acquiring background knowledge about Russian history, economics, politics, literature and culture.
Major (self-designed) and minor programs In Russian Area Studies are interdisciplinary, combining courses in the departments of Modern Language, History, Political Science, Economics, and (sometimes) English. Language courses are taught in Russian; other courses are taught in English.
Minor in Russian Area Studies
Completion of five courses (20 units) as follows:
Russian Language (Russ 23, 25, or equivalents) (8)
RUSS 191 - Advanced Russian (4)
RUSS 120 - Contemporary Russian Film (4)
Or:
RUSS 73 - Russian Culture and Civilization (4)
One of the following (4 units):
POLS 51 - International Politics (4)
ECON 71 - Global Economic Issues (4)
RUSS 193 - Special Topics in Russian Lit. (4)
Or:
An alternative course selected from those listed above, or a summer or semester of studying in Russia on a program approved by the Office of International programs or by the minor adviser. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at the University of the Pacific. Study abroad courses may substitute minor requirements with the approval of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.
Russian Course Descriptions
RUSS 011A. First-Year Russian, First Semester. 4 Units.
Students begin training in the basic language skills of understanding, speaking, reading and writing at the first semester level. The focus is on a cultural approach, and the course includes a laboratory.
RUSS 011B. First-Year Russian, Second Semester. 4 Units.
Students are trained in the basic language skills of understanding, speaking, reading and writing at the second semester level. the focus is on a cultural approach and the course includes a laboratory. Prerequisite: RUSS 011A with a "C-" or better or permission of instructor.
RUSS 023. Intermediate Russian, Third Semester. 4 Units.
Students examine Russian culture through readings, conversations, videos and discussions on daily life and culture of Russia and former Soviet Republics. The course includes a review of Russian language as a functioning system. Prerequisite: RUSS 011B with a "C-" or better or permission of instructor.
RUSS 025. Intermediate Russian, Fourth Semester. 4 Units.
This course is a continuation of the cultural themes begun in RUSS 023. Students examine Russian culture through readings and discussions on daily life in Russia and former Soviet Republics. the course continues review of Russian language as a functioning system. Prerequisite: RUSS 023 with a "C-" or better or permission of instructor.
RUSS 073. Russian Culture and Civilization. 4 Units.
Students examine the major cultural and artistic developments in Russia from the founding of the Kievan state to the 20th century. The course includes readings, lectures, discussions and student presentations on Russian literature and art as well as a survey of major literary works of the Golden Age of Russian literature. There is extensive use of audiovisual aids, and the course is taught in English.
RUSS 120. Contemporary Russian Film. 4 Units.
This is a 4-unit course designed for a general audience. No knowledge of Russian is required; lectures and readings are entirely in English. All the movies that are screened have English subtitles. This course is an overview of contemporary Russian film as representation and reflection of Russian cultural values and political and economic changes for the 1980s to the present. Students see and discuss works of major film directors in their social, political, historical, and cultural context. They learn about new cultural trends, the relationship between culture and officialdom, as well as peculiarities of national self-perception (the Russian Idea), gender/ethnicity based interpretations, and artistic realities in Russian film.
RUSS 191. Independent Study. 2-4 Units.
This course may be used for advanced work in Russian reading, composition and conversation, or for work on other topics.
RUSS 193. Special Topics. 2 or 4 Units.
Russian Language Faculty
Elena Savelieva-Thompson, 1992, Russian Area Studies Instructor (RUSSIAN), B.A., St. Petersburg State University (Russia), 1969; M.A. St. Petersburg State University, 1971.
Webpage - Phone: 209.946.2916 - Office: WPC-Annex 250