RUSN 101. Elementary Russian I. 4 Units.

An introductory course with emphasis on oral skills. Students learn the Cyrillic alphabet and grammatical case structure while building their basic vocabulary and elementary conversational skills. In addition to scheduled class meetings, students must complete interactive lab assignments done outside of class.

RUSN 102. Elementary Russian II. 4 Units.

Continuation of RUSN 101 with emphasis on oral skills. Students continue to learn cases, verb conjugations, and other major grammar concepts necessary to effective communication in spoken Russian. In addition to scheduled class meetings, students must complete interactive lab assignments done outside of class.

RUSN 201. Intermediate Russian I. 4 Units.

Special attention to Russian grammar, more detailed study of grammatical issues, vocabulary building, and word-formation, reading of intermediate-level spoken and written texts in Russian. Students engage with some historical and contemporary aspects of Russian culture. In addition to scheduled class meetings, students must complete interactive lab assignments done outside of class.

RUSN 202. Intermediate Russian II. 4 Units.

Continuation of RUSN 201. Students continue to increase their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. Emphasis on developing oral fluency and using authentic language materials. Students deepen their engagement with Russian culture in the target language. In addition to scheduled class meetings, students must complete interactive lab assignments done outside of class.

RUSN 305. Russian Song. 1 Unit.

The Russian Song course is dedicated to the exploration and performance of vocal music from Russia and the former USSR. Russia comprises many ethnic groups and has a vast repertoire of folk music, folk instruments, and singing styles. Students will learn children's songs, art songs, "city" romances, Cossack songs, Georgian polyphony and folk dances. Each song is placed in context, with an eye towards culture, symbolism, history, poetry/lyrics, and customs. Students will look at how classical composers use Russian folk music in their long forms. The study of Chastushki, an ancient Russian village phenomenon which continues to evolve, will lead to creating students' own stylistically appropriate poetry and ostinato. Russian percussion and other instruments will enhance the song and dance, all culminating in a final performance at the end of the semester. Offered as RUSN 305 and MUGN 310.

RUSN 311. Advanced Conversation. 3 Units.

Students work to improve fluency in spoken Russian. Topics of conversation include aspects of contemporary civilization; current vocabulary is stressed. Recommended preparation: RUSN 202.

RUSN 370. Special Topics in Russian. 3 Units.

This course is designed to address the students' and faculty interests in specific themes or issues not otherwise covered in the curriculum. Approaches and content will vary. This course may have a focus that crosses generic, artistic, historical, disciplinary and geographical boundaries. The honing of the analytical and interpretive skills as well as development of Russian language skills are also integral objectives of the course. The class is conducted in Russian. All written assignments are in Russian. Recommended preparation: Two years of Russian. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course.

RUSN 375. Russian Literature in Translation. 3 Units.

Topics vary according to student and faculty interest. May include Russian classical and modern literature, cinema, women writers, individual authors. May count towards Russian minor. No knowledge of Russian required. Offered as RUSN 375 and WLIT 375. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course.

RUSN 386. Russian Culture and Civilization: From Varangians to Revolutionaries (862-1917). 3 Units.

This course will explore the history, art, and literature of the Eastern Slavic/Russian people from the ninth century to end of the Russian empire in 1917. Students will trace the formation and transformation of the Slavic/Russian state, from Kievan Rus' to the Tsardom of Muscovy and to the Russian empire. The historical background will be illuminated by the literary and artistic works created by outstanding Russian writers, poets, painters, and composers. At the end of the course, students will gain a solid knowledge of the Russian cultural ground and understand the roots of Russian national and cultural identity. Offered as RUSN 386 and WLIT 386. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course.

RUSN 399. Independent Study. 1 - 3 Units.