With a BA in Russian, you'll hone written and oral communication skills, as well as a deep knowledge of Russian culture, history, art, literature and politics.
We work to actively support dual-degree seekers who want to pair their knowledge of Russian with majors like international studies, international business and intercultural communications. You can even build your study of Russian culture into an honors thesis project that will allow you to graduate with distinction in the major.
DU houses one of the most extensive university collections of Russian literature, and you can expand your knowledge of Russian further through DU's Russian Club and Dobro Slovo, the National Slavic Honor Society.
Away from campus, immersive study abroad opportunities give you real-world experience in a country that wields enormous influence over global affairs. Because Russia is a political and economic international superpower, a thorough understanding of the language and culture means you'll have career options both at home and abroad.
Small, interactive classes that allow students ample opportunity to interact with our accomplished instructors
Study abroad opportunities around the globe
Multiple ways to tie your studies into key out-of-classroom experiences, including service learning, internships and extracurricular activities
Access to the support and programs of DU’s Center for World Languages and Cultures
Independent study programs and collaboration with faculty members
Degree Requirements
- Students must complete 44 credits of approved courses above the level of RUSS 1003.
- Study abroad in Russia through the Cherrington Global Scholars Program and a service learning/internship in Denver’s Russian-speaking community, though not required, are strongly encouraged.
- Requirements for a distinction in Russian include a minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA, minimum 3.7 major GPA and completion of a thesis written in Russian.
- Secondary major requirements are 44 credits (same requirements as for BA degree).
For more information about courses, degree/minor requirements and the program, visit the DU Undergraduate Bulletin.
Featured Courses
RUSS 1922
The Soviet Experiment in Literature and Film
About this Course
Architects of the Soviet experiment claimed to create a radically new type of society and person, superior to all that came before. What were the defining features and founding myths of the Soviet identity, as propagandized by the government? How did this imagined identity clash with realities of life in the USSR? What cultural figures opposed the official discourse, and what artistic modes of resistance did they develop? To explore these questions, we read fiction and poetry by authors central to defining and contesting the Soviet experiment, including Maiakovski, Gladkov, Ginzburg, Pelevin, Dovlatov, and Petrushevskaya, and watch ground-breaking films by Vertov, Tarkovsky, Daneliya and others. All materials are in English. No prior knowledge of Russian literature or culture is required. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.
RUSS 2917
Russian Revolution in Literature and History
About this Course
The course introduces students to the literature and history of the Russian revolution of 1917. Students examine how Russian literature helped pave the way for the revolution and how literature and film helped Russians make sense of the radical transformation of their society. Students gain insight into the reciprocal relationship of literature and politics, learning how literature shaped the revolutionary movement and how the revolution inspired new forms of artistic expression. Students develop their Russian reading and writing skills. Selected readings and all essays in Russian. This course counts toward the Analytical Inquiry: Society and Culture requirement.
RUSS 3997
Russian: Learn Through Service
About this Course
Internship and/or service learning for credit with local organizations in the Russian-speaking community. Must be approved by both Russian faculty and organization participating.
Combine innovative communicative methods with in-depth cultural study in Russian.
Are you ready to learn more about the Russian program at DU?
