Course Descriptions

RU 11-12 Basic Russian
The goal of this two-semester sequence is to teach the essentials of pronunciation, structure, and usage in order for students to acquire the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Three/Four classes per week, as determined by the Department, and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
6/8 credits

RU 101-102 Intermediate Russian
In this two-semester sequence, the structure and current usage of the Russian language are reviewed and practiced to improve the student's ability to speak and to write as well as read literary and cultural selections. Three classes per week and utilization of ancillary materials in the Culpeper Language Resource Center, as determined by the instructor.
6 credits

RES 110 Introduction to Russian Culture
This interdisciplinary course provides a comprehensive introduction to Russian civilization seen through the lens of visual expression and performance. Students revisit Russian painting, architecture, dance, music and film at pivotal historical junctures. Our ultimate destination is to comprehend the underlying ideologies of orthodoxy, autocracy, totalitarianism and perestroyka. Images serve as our principle gateways to the deeply religious cultural imagination that has never experienced Renaissance and Reformation.

Critical examination of extensive Western and Eastern influences explains the creation of native Russian aesthetic and ideology by way of adaptation, accommodation and transformation of multicultural and multiethnic input. (Cross-listed under Visual and Performing Arts as FA 110. Students are not permitted to take this course under both desIgnatians.)
3 credits

RES 160 East European Seminar
The purpose of the seminar is to study, discuss and review in writing a representative sample of political and philosophical documents, together with works of art and literature concerning the legacy of Communism and nationalism in Central and Eastern Europe. Participants will discuss how these texts and images are related to current problems and difficulties including the failure of former Yugoslavia to prevent ethnic warfare.
3 credits

RES 310 Capstone Seminar: Current Topics in Russia and Eastern Europe
This interdisciplinary seminar, team taught by faculty from different disciplines, will focus on current and changing developments in Russia or Eastern Europe and will cover culture, politics, business, and economics, enabling students to integrate their different disciplines in a case-study format. Both oral and written assignments will be required, in addition to a special seminar project, designed by the student in close consultation with the instructors. Open to seniors only.
3 credits

RES 395 Internship in Russian and East European Studies
Candidates will work a minimum of 8 hours per week during the semester either for the RES Program director, helping with publicity, coordination, and public events, or for an organization or business in the area doing work in Russia or Eastern Europe. Under the direction of a faculty member in Russian and East European Studies, interns must regularly report on their work, and must write an evaluation of the experience at the end of the semester. Juniors and Seniors minoring in Russian and East European Studies only
3 credits