Course Planning for New and Exploring Students
Students interested in exploring the Russian Studies major could start either by taking the first-year Russian language sequence (RUSS 101, 102, 201) or pursuing a class taught in English translation. English translation classes are 300-level, but they are open to anyone, including first-year students. In 2023-2024, we offer:
- RUSS 325: Russian Folktale (Fall)
- RUSS 300: Nineteenth-Century Literature in Translation (Winter)
- RUSS 335: Women and Gender in Russian Culture, D (Winter)
- RUSS 340: Slavic Science Fiction, W (Spring)
Language Placement
If a student has prior experience with Russian, students should take a language placement assessment to determine an appropriate starting point in the language sequence. There will be a proctored placement exam offered during Welcome Week in the fall and before Advance Registration in the spring.Â
Declare a Major/Minor
All students are expected to declare a major before the end of sophomore year. Ideally, sophomore students will declare a major (and switch to an advisor in the major) before advance registration advising begins in spring term.
Major Advising
All students will transition to a major advisor upon declaration. The major advisor will help students plan their coursework to satisfy requirements for the major, select courses in other areas to complement the major or satisfy personal interests, and prepare for their Senior Experience. Prospective Russian Studies or Russian Language and Literature majors can consult with any of the following Russian faculty about serving as a major advisor:
Add a Major Advisor
Need help identifying an advisor in the major? Students can contact advising@lawrence.edu for assistance with advisor matching.
Minor Advising
Students do not need an official advisor for the Russian minor. Instead, Russian minors are encouraged to consult with the department chair or other Russian faculty for advice on course selection and satisfying minor requirements.
Additional Student Resources
If you still have questions about advising support related to the Russian program, we invite you to contact the department chair.Â