Russian Course Descriptions

The first course of a three-term sequence. Once students learn the alphabet and pronunciation, they acquire a basis for speaking, understanding, reading, and writing spoken Russian. Cultural information is incorporated throughout the course.

Continued practice in speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension. Cultural information is incorporated throughout the course. PREREQUISITES: RUSS 101 or consent of instructor

This discussion-based course focuses on Russian and Soviet animation: its topics, artistic techniques, and cultural significance. Animators explored topics that were both deeply personal and rooted in important historical events. Animated films were sometimes a creative outlet not supported by the state, and sometimes used by the state as propaganda. We will discuss animation’s ability to serve various functions while appealing to different audiences.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

An opportunity for students to apply their Russian language skills in business, government, and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required. Credit may be given for internships completed during a period of study abroad. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Students acquire a wider range of linguistic structures, which enables them to start speaking, reading, and writing on a higher level. PREREQUISITES: RUSS 102 or consent of instructor

Grammar review and introduction of more complex grammatical concepts. Students read some authentic literary texts. Cultural information is presented through texts and audio-visual/computer materials. PREREQUISITES: RUSS 201 or consent of instructor

A continuation of Russian 211. More exposure to literary texts, along with newspaper articles. Video clips continue to improve students’ listening comprehension skills and cultural knowledge. PREREQUISITES: RUSS 211 or consent of instructor

A continuation of Russian 212. More intensive reading, writing, and conversational practice to provide a transition to study abroad. PREREQUISITES: RUSS 212

A comparative study of nineteenth century Europoean realism, with readings taken from a variety of national traditions. Authors studied may include Dickens, Flaubert, and Dostoevsky. Collaborative teaching of each text will expose participants to a wide range of critical and pedagogical methods. With instructor approval students may also register for an additional tutorial (3 units) in which we will read and discuss important theoretical works on the history of the novel form. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

The texts studied in this course are thematically unified by their examination of romantic and sexual relationships, many of which are limited by social restrictions. Some works will be studied in conjunction with film versions. No knowledge of Russian required. Offered every other year.

This course examines science fiction works from the Slavic world, with concentration on Russia and the Soviet Union. We will explore how Slavic authors reflected on technological progress, humankind's place in the universe, social and political experiments, etc. Lecture/seminar. Taught in English translation. Russian majors and minors may participate in a two-unit turorial in which discussions and some course readings will be in Russian.

Survey of Soviet and post-Soviet literature from 1920 to the present. Course will explore ways in which writers responded to, helped shape, and reacted against the Soviet system. Works will be set in historical and cultural context. No knowledge of Russian required. Offered every other year.

This course introduces students to the rich theatrical tradition of Russia. The readings for the course span over two centuries, starting from the social comedies of the late eighteenth century to the contemporary "New Drama" and documentary theater. The plays are situated within the larger historical and political context of Imperial, Soviet and post-Soviet Russia. Lecture/discussion. Taught in English.

This course examines Russia's complex debate over the nature of sexuality, decadence, morality and mortality. Themes include the moral nature of procreation, lust, murder, and resurrection. Readings include Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Platonov, and Nabokov, as well as film, opera, paintings, and a television mini series. In English.

The course focusses on the work, world, and influence of Anton Chekhov. Topics may include “Chekhov and the Russian Short Story,” “Chekhov and Modern Russian Drama,” “Chekhov on the Silver Screen,” and “Chekhov and the West.” Taught in English. Russian majors and minors may participate in a two-unit tutorial in which discussions and some course readings will be in Russian.

This course explores the works, thought, and impact of Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy. Possible topics include: Crimes and Punishments, Spirituality and Religion, History and Narrative, In the Writer's Laboratory. Taught in English. Russian majors and minors may participate in a two-unit tutorial in which discussions and some course readings will be in Russian. May be repeated when topic is different.

This course explores facets of the development of Russian film in its historical and cultural context. Topics may include: “The Golden Age of Soviet Film,” “The Cinema of Tarkovsky,” and “Film as Propaganda.” Taught in English. Russian majors and minors may participate in a two-unit tutorial in which discussions and some course readings will be in Russian.

Topic for
This course

An interdisciplinary course examining the relationship between politics and culture in Russia since the 18th century through the close analysis of a specific historical theme. Emphasis is placed on reading and discussing literary texts, historical primary sources, and, where applicable, watching films. Possible themes include: Power and Culture in the Russian Revolution, 1900-1936; The Soviet 1960s; and The Agony of Populism: Terrorism and Literature in Russia's Nineteenth Century. Not open to students who have previously received, or need to receive credit for HIST 423. (G&C)

This course introduces students to the magical world of Russian folktales and mythology. A wide selection of folktales will be interpreted through a range of critical approaches (e.g., structuralism, psychoanalysis, and feminism). Folktale adaptations in literature, film, music, and the arts will provide students with an appreciation of the continuing cultural significance of folk belief and folktales in Russia. Lecture/seminar. Taught in English translation.

An interdisciplinary survey course that examines femininity, womanhood and identity in Imperial, Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia. Materials include works of fiction, non-fiction, and film. No knowledge of Russian required.

Students watch, analyze, and discuss freshly archived Russian television news. Students will increase knowledge of journalistic vocabulary and reporting styles, and develop an understanding of Russian perspectives on national and international events. May be repeated for credit. PREREQUISITES: RUSS 250 or consent of instructor

This course will introduce the student to the rich and varied tradition of Russian and Soviet cinema from the Pre-Revolutionary period to the present. Works by major filmmakers will be viewed and discussed in the context of the culture, economy, society, and politics of the time. Taught in English. PREREQUISITES: Sophomore standing

This course advances skills in reading, understanding, writing, and speaking Russian, with materials from the rich traditions of Russian literary culture. Readings include fiction, plays, and poetry. Conducted in Russian, with frequent writing and grammar assignments, in-class presentations, and occasional translation exercises. May be repeated for credit when topic is different. PREREQUISITES: RUSS 250 or consent of instructor

This seminar-style course will allow advanced students an opportunity to further develop their proficiency. Materials include memoirs, journalism, and historical texts. Conducted in Russian, with frequent writing and grammar assignments, in-class presentations, and occasional translation exercises. It will prepare students to do more advanced research in Russian, either here at Lawrence or abroad. May be repeated for credit when topic is different.

This course will examine topics in Russian film. Topics may include specific genres (e.g., the sad comedy), the work of a director or tradition, films important for a specific historical moment (e.g., The Thaw or World War Two), or films devoted to a specific theme. Students will expand their Russian vocabulary, improve fluency, increase speaking confidence and gain cultural knowledge by viewing Russian films and analyzing the psychology of the characters. Throughout this course, students will be introduced to the practice of reading the filmic text using three structuring lenses: 1) history, 2) formal and generic elements, and 3) film criticism. May be repeated when topic is different.

Advanced work, in Russian, arranged and carried out in consultation with the faculty. Topics depend on the student’s interest, the instructor, and the subject. Tutorials are not substitutes for courses offered elsewhere in the curriculum. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

An opportunity for students to apply their Russian language skills in business, government, and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required. Credit may be given for internships completed during a period of study abroad. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Individualized advanced research carried out in consultation with a faculty member. Students considering an honors project in their senior year should register for an upper-level independent study for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Advanced work, in Russian, arranged and carried out in consultation with the faculty. Topics depend on the student’s interest, the instructor, and the subject. Tutorials are not substitutes for courses offered elsewhere in the curriculum. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

An opportunity for students to apply their Russian language skills in business, government, and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required. Credit may be given for internships completed during a period of study abroad. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Individualized advanced research carried out in consultation with a faculty member. Students considering an honors project in their senior year should register for an upper-level independent study for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

This seminar is for advanced students to finish a senior capstone. Seniors meet with the instructor early in Fall Term to discuss individual projects and plan a research agenda. In the Winter Term seminar, students read and discuss contemporary academic articles to highlight styles of argument. The rest of the seminar involves writing workshops, presentations of individual research and discussions of specific scholarly methods. PREREQUISITES: Declared majors with senior standing

Advanced work, in Russian, arranged and carried out in consultation with the faculty. Topics depend on the student’s interest, the instructor, and the subject. Tutorials are not substitutes for courses offered elsewhere in the curriculum. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

An opportunity for students to apply their Russian language skills in business, government, and the non-profit sector on the regional, national, and international levels. Arranged in collaboration with and supervised by a member of the department. Includes discussion, report, and/or portfolio. Advance consultation and application required. Credit may be given for internships completed during a period of study abroad. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.

Individualized advanced research carried out in consultation with a faculty member. Students considering an honors project in their senior year should register for an upper-level independent study for one or more terms. PREREQUISITES: To register student must complete the Student Initiated Course Form with consultation of supervising instructor.