You have a unique opportunity to explore a Russian interdisciplinary program that offers language courses, as well literature seminars on Russian and Russian-Jewish writers in English (RUSS 4133),which is cross-listed with the Honors College, Jewish Studies, Comparative Literature and International Studies. The literature seminar offers such topics as “Supernatural and Mundane in Russian 20^th Century Lit.,” “Power and Protest from Pussy Riot to Dostoevsky,” and “Radicals, Rebels, and Revolutionaries.” 

Russian language is offered from the elementary (RUSS 1003) through advanced levels (RUSS 3003). If you wish to pursue language learning beyond the fifth semester, you can either do a Study Abroad in Russia, or discuss the option of independent studies or an advanced course with the head of the program.

Professor Emerita Janet G. Tucker built the Russian program, and taught Russian from 1990-2010. In 2020, Professor Tucker was awarded the "Emeritus Award for the Outstanding Dedication to the Profession" by the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages. This nomination was also supported by Professor Trish Starks in the History department. 

Professor Nadja Berkovich, section head of Russian, interviewed Professor Tucker in March 2020.

Professor Janet Tucker has published numerous pieces over the years. Below is a list of selected publications:

Monographs 

• Profane Challenge and Orthodox Response in Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. Amsterdam: Rodopi Publishers, 2008. 
• Revolution Betrayed Juiij Olesas Envy: Jurij Olesa's Envy. Bloomington: Slavica Publishing, 1996.   
• Innokentij Annenskij and the Acmeist Doctrine. Columbus: Slavica Publishers, 1987. 

Professor Janet G. Tucker.

Edited Volume 

• Against the Grain: Parody, Satire, and Intertextuality in Russian Literature. Editor. Bloomington: Slavic Publishers, 2002. 

Russian Studies minors are strongly encouraged to spend one semester abroad in any Russian-speaking country. Those who are unable to study abroad are strongly encouraged to attend a summer language program in the US.

The minor in Russian Studies requires 15 credit hours. Specific courses required are: 

• RUSS 3003: Advanced Russian I or II 
• RUSS 4113 or RUSS 4133: Special Themes in Russian literature or Survey of the Russian Lit. Since 1917. Taught in English. 

+ 9 hours of elective courses at the 3000-/4000-level that are related to Russian history, Eurasia, International and European studies. Students can choose other courses that are not listed here, which must be at least one-third Russian or Eurasian-centered, and must be approved by the program director. 

For the most up-to-date and accurate information on degree requirements for a Minor in Russian, please visit the Course Catalog page. 

The Russian language and literature courses count towards the world language and area studies requirements for the B.S.I.B.,  which can be on the B.S.I.B Requirements page of the Course Catalog.

For more information about the Russian Program, contact Nadja Berkovich.