Department Website
Program Description
Through a broad range of courses in Russian and Slavic literature, language, history, film, and culture, the department aims to give students a thorough understanding of part of the Slavic world. Whether in popular lecture courses treating the Russian classics in translation, surveys of modern East European history and politics, or small seminars devoted to the close study of texts and primary sources in the original languages, faculty members are committed to conveying to students the vibrancy of these cultures, which have been and continue to be central to the development of modern Europe.
Students are encouraged to work at internships with charitable and business organizations that have connections with Russia. New York City has the largest Russian community in the United States; it offers varied cultural activities, Russian newspapers, and bookstores. The New York Public Library is an outstanding repository of Russian and Slavic materials.
Honors Program
Students wishing to pursue honors in the major must maintain at least a 3.65 average in all Russian and Slavic studies courses and a 3.65 average overall. Applications for admission to the program should be made to the chair of the department prior to the second semester of the junior year. An honors student must either write a 5,000-word thesis or take four additional courses (16 credits) related to the major and selected in consultation with the adviser. A departmental honors committee determines, based on the student’s academic work, whether or not to recommend him or her for an honors degree.
Combined BA/MA Program
The Department of Russian and Slavic Studies offers a five-year track leading to both a BA and an MA. For more information, please contact the director of graduate studies.
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.
Program Requirements
The prerequisite for declaring the major is proficiency in Russian or another Slavic language at or above the Intermediate II level. Students with proficiency in another Slavic language at or above the Intermediate II level must also have proficiency in Russian at or above the Elementary II level. Students who are not Russian heritage speakers and have proficiency above Intermediate II must take at least one Advanced language course offered by the department. Heritage speakers with proficiency above Intermediate II must consult with the director of undergraduate studies when declaring the major.
The major in Russian and Slavic Studies requires nine 4-credit courses (36 credits) that must be completed with a C or better, as follows:
- At least five courses (20 credits) must be chosen from the department’s offerings on culture, literature, or language above the level of Intermediate II or Russian Grammar and Composition II.
- Of the remaining four courses (16 credits), some or all may be satisfied (with departmental permission) with courses pertaining to Russian and Slavic studies in other departments and programs.
- No course for the major may be double-counted toward a major in any other department.
Course List
| Course |
Title |
Credits |
| 4 |
| EXPOS-UA 1 | Writing as Inquiry | 4 |
| 1 | 16 |
| 4 |
| 4 |
| 4 |
| 4 |
| 4 |
| 4 |
| 2 | 20 |
| 3 | 16 |
| 44 |
| Total Credits | 128 |
The College Core Curriculum’s Cultures and Contexts course on Russia (when offered) can count toward the major with permission from the director of undergraduate studies. Other Core courses taught by faculty in the Department of Russian and Slavic Studies may be accepted, under certain conditions, toward the undergraduate major or minor. Consult the director of undergraduate studies.
All Russian majors are strongly encouraged to spend a semester or summer in Russia.
Undergraduate Registration for Graduate Courses
Only Russian and Slavic studies majors will be admitted to graduate courses in the department. A maximum of two graduate courses (8 credits)—not taken in the same semester—may be counted toward the major. Students must secure permission from both the director of undergraduate studies and the course instructor.
Independent Study and Internships
Credit for RUSSN-UA 997 Independent Study and RUSSN-UA 998 Independent Study is available for Russian and Slavic studies majors only, up to a maximum of 8 credits. Credit for RUSSN-UA 980 Internship is also available for majors only, up to a maximum of 4 credits. Consult the director of undergraduate studies for additional requirements.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of program requirements, students are expected to have acquired:
- The ability to express themselves orally and in writing on a variety of topics in a Slavic language (most commonly, Russian).
- Broad knowledge in the fields of Russian history, culture, and politics in their Imperial, Soviet, and post-Soviet contexts.
- The skills needed to analyze complex literary and other texts in their historical contexts.
- The ability to approach this field through the perspectives offered by multiple disciplines, including but not limited to history, politics, international relations, anthropology, and literary and cultural studies.
Policies
Program Policies
Policies Applying to Transfer Students
Major
To obtain a major in Russian and Slavic studies from NYU, a transfer student must take at least five courses (20 credits) in language, literature, or culture in the NYU Department of Russian and Slavic Studies. After consultation with the department, transfer credits in these areas may be used to satisfy some or all of the remaining four courses (16 credits) needed to complete this nine-course (36-credit) major.
Minor
To obtain a minor in Russian and Slavic studies from NYU, a transfer student must take at least two courses (8 credits) in language, literature, or culture in the NYU Department of Russian and Slavic Studies. After consultation with the department, transfer credits in these areas may be used to satisfy some or all of the remaining two courses (8 credits) needed to complete this four-course (16-credit) minor.
Registration
After transfer credits have been approved by NYU admissions, students should bring their transcripts to the director of undergraduate studies to arrange a program of study.
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.
College of Arts and Science Policies
A full list of relevant academic policies can be found on the CAS Academic Policies page.