University of Richmond

The Combined Major in English and Russian

Note:  A grade of C (2.0) is required in all coursework comprising the major.

15.5 units, including

Seven courses in Russian (Courses taken in English to fulfill the Russian part of the major must each include a quarter unit LAC in Russian), to include

  • RUSN 301 Russian Conversation or RUSN 311 Readings in Russian Cultural Studies
  • MLC 321 Introduction to 19th-Century Russian Literature with a LAC in Russian
  • MLC 322 Introduction to 20th-Century Russian Literature with a LAC in Russian
  • Two 300- or 400-level courses, selected from
    • RUSN 420 Readings in Russian Literature
    • Russian literature (selected from approved courses offered on a UR study abroad program)
    • MLC 497 Selected Topics
  • Two 300- or 400-level courses selected from
    • MLC 332 Conscience and Consciousness in 19th Century Russian Painting
    • MLC 335 Bolsheviks, Bombs and Ballet: Soviet Culture and Civilization;
    • Other relevant offerings in a number of departments (classics, religion, philosophy, art) depending on the focus of the student's comparative topic.

Seven courses in English, to include

  • ENGL 297 Literature in Context: Genre and Mode
  • ENGL 298 Literature in Context: Texts in History
  • One 300-level course from Group A (Literature Before the Early to Mid-19th Century)
  • One 300-level course from Group B (Literature After the Early to Mid-19th Century)
  • Two additional courses at the 300-level
  • ENGL 400 Junior/Senior Seminar

IDST 379 Combined Major Portfolio/Project

Senior Writing Project
A senior writing/portfolio project (taken for one half unit as IDST 379) on a comparative topic dealing with literatures in English and in Russian, 20-30 pages, written in English or in Russian, making significant use of primary and secondary materials in both languages, conducted through independent study. During the senior year, students also will present a portfolio documenting significant achievements in their studies and including a reflective self-assessment of their work in the major.

Designated faculty members from each department will advise students upon declaration and as they progress through the major. Study abroad in a Russian-speaking country is very strongly recommended.