B.A. in Languages and Cultures - Russian Concentration

Curriculum

General Education Requirements

• Academic Foundations
  • First Year Experience requirement (4 credits)
  • English Composition requirement (6-7 credits)
  • Mathematics requirement (3-4 credits)
  • Interdisciplinary requirement (3 credits)
  • Diverse Communities requirement (3 credits)
  • Ethics requirement (3 credits)
• Distributed Disciplinary Foundations
  • Science requirement (6-8 credits)
  • Behavioral & Social Science requirement (6 credits)
  • Humanities requirement (6 credits)
  • Arts requirement (3 credits)

Additional Baccalaureate Requirements

• University Requirements
  • Writing Emphasis requirement (9 credits)
  • Speaking Emphasis requirement (9 credits)
• Degree Requirements
  • Capstone requirement (1-15 credits)

Major Requirements

• Major Language Courses
  • Tier 1: Language Skills
    • RUS 101: Elementary Russian I (3 credits)
    • RUS 102: Elementary Russian II (3 credits)
    • RUS 201: Intermediate Russian I (4 credits)
    • RUS 202: Intermediate Russian II (4 credits)
  • Tier 2: Proficiency
    • Select one of the following options:
      • Option 1:
        • RUS 301: Advanced Grammar and Composition I
        • RUS 407: Advanced Oral Russian I
      • Option 2:
        • RUS 302: Advanced Grammar and Composition II
        • RUS 408: Advanced Oral Russian II
  • Tier 3: Competency Content
    • Select one course from each of the following groups:
      • Literary Analysis
        • RUS 303: Advanced Readings in Russian Literature
      • Cultural Analysis
        • RUS 305: Russian Civilization I
      • Language and Linguistics
        • RUS 412: Seminar in Russian
  • Second Language Requirement
    • Demonstration of proficiency in a second language through the Intermediate II level, by placement testing or course work through 202 (credit by examination and/or CLEP permitted) (3-12 credits)
  • Connections: common to all languages
    • LAN 327: Introduction to Linguistics for Language (3 credits)
    • LNC 368: Comparative Cultural Studies (3 credits)
  • Immersion Experience
    • Immersion study and/or internship work experience is an essential component of the B.A.L.C. curriculum (3-12 credits)
  • Capstone Requirement
    • Select one of the following:
      • RUS 401: The Russian Novel
      • RUS 402: The Russian Drama
      • RUS 410: Independent Studies in Russian Language
      • RUS 411: Seminar in Russian

Electives

• The number of hours available depends on the student’s level of second language proficiency. The student may choose to apply some of these to additional advanced courses in the major area or to continue second or third language study.

Total Minimum Credits Required

• 120 credits

Sample Course Plan

Year One

• Semester One:
  • RUS 103: Intensive Elementary Russian I-II (6 credits)
  • WRT 120: Effective Writing I (3 credits)
  • MAT XXX: Math Gen Ed (3 credits)
  • FYE 100X: First Year Experience (4 credits)
• Semester Two:
  • RUS 203: Intensive Intermediate Russian II (6 credits)
  • CLS 165: Introduction to World Literature (3 credits)
  • LNC 110: Global Human Rights in Cultural Production (3 credits)
  • WRT 2XX: 200-Level WRT Course (3 credits)

Year Two

• Semester Three:
  • RUS 301: Advanced Grammar and Composition I (3 credits)
  • ANT 102: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
  • LAN 327: Introduction to Linguistics for Language (3 credits)
  • PSC 201: Politics of Diversity in the U.S. (3 credits)
  • Second Language 101 (3 credits)
• Semester Four:
  • RUS 302: Advanced Grammar and Composition II (3 credits)
  • CSC 110: Fundamentals in Computer Science (3 credits)
  • ESP 324: Latinos in the U.S. (3 credits)
  • GEO 104: Introduction to Geospatial Technology and Analytics (3 credits)
  • Second Language 102 (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

Year Three

• Semester Five:
  • LNC 368: Comparative Cultural Studies (3 credits)
  • RUS 303: Advanced Readings in Russian Literature (3 credits)
  • ESP 300: Latin-American Culture and Civilization (In English) (3 credits)
  • Second Language 201 (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
• Semester Six:
  • RUS 402: The Russian Drama (3 credits)
  • RUS 408: Advanced Oral Russian II (3 credits)
  • RUS 411: Seminar in Russian (3 credits)
  • Second Language 202 (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

Year Four

• Semester Seven:
  • (Study abroad)
  • RUS 407: Advanced Oral Russian I (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
• Semester Eight:
  • RUS 410: Independent Studies in Russian Language (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)

Total Credits

• 121 credits

Outline:

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Program Content:

• Develop proficiency in Russian language, with a focus on developing language skills, grammar, advanced composition, and conversational ability.
• Acquire cultural knowledge, insights, and understanding of Russian-speaking societies through the study of Russian literature, history, linguistics, cinema and other cultural expressions.
• Enhance global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding through an immersion experience, which may involve study abroad, internships, cultural immersion activities, or research projects.
• Cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills through engagement with diverse texts, perspectives, and methodologies.

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Program Structure:

• The program consists of a total of 120 minimum credits, comprising required major courses, language requirements, general education requirements, and electives.
• The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in Russian language, culture, and related fields, while allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.

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Course Schedule:

• Courses are offered on a semester basis, typically in the following sequence:

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Year One:

• Semester One: Elementary Russian I; Effective Writing I; Math General Education; First Year Experience
• Semester Two: Intensive Intermediate Russian II; Introduction to World Literature; Global Human Rights in Cultural Production; 200-Level WRT Course

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Year Two:

• Semester Three: Advanced Grammar and Composition I; Introduction to Cultural Anthropology; Introduction to Linguistics for Language; Politics of Diversity in the U.S.; Second Language 101
• Semester Four: Advanced Grammar and Composition II; Fundamentals in Computer Science; Latinos in the U.S.; Introduction to Geospatial Technology and Analytics; Second Language 102; Elective

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Year Three:

• Semester Five: Comparative Cultural Studies; Advanced Readings in Russian Literature; Latin-American Culture and Civilization (In English); Second Language 201; Elective
• Semester Six: The Russian Drama; Advanced Oral Russian II; Seminar in Russian; Second Language 202; Elective

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Year Four:

• Semester Seven: (Study abroad or other immersion experience)
• Semester Eight: Advanced Oral Russian I; Independent Studies in Russian Language; Electives

West Chester University

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Overview:

West Chester University is a public university located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, fostering a vibrant campus community with a strong emphasis on student engagement and personal growth. The university prides itself on its commitment to providing students with a transformative educational experience that helps them discover their passions and find their element.

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Services Offered:

Academic Advising:

Students have access to academic advisors who provide guidance on course selection, program requirements, and career planning.

Financial Aid:

The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students afford their education.

Student Resources:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Diverse Academic Programs:

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Other:

Location:

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Campus:

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President's Message:

The university president emphasizes the importance of student belonging and happiness at West Chester University.

Media Guide:

The university provides a media guide featuring faculty experts in various fields.

Upcoming Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including move-in for returning students, welcome week, and summer session.