Program Overview

Russian and Slavic Studies (MA)

Overview

The department offers an interdisciplinary MA in Russian and Slavic studies, a program that allows students to take Russia-related courses in departments across NYU. In addition to the departmental curriculum's particular strengths in literature, history, and film, the course of study can encompass a wide variety of specializations, from anthropology and politics to music, linguistics, and performance studies.

Program Description

The program can serve as excellent preparation for graduate study at the PhD level. It also provides a thorough grounding in the Russia field for terminal MA students who choose to pursue a career in this area. Students applying to the MA program must hold a BA degree and have a basic knowledge of the Russian language. Usually, students have an undergraduate degree in Russian, but majors in other subjects may be accepted.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation
• A non-refundable application fee

Program Requirements

The MA degree requires successful completion of eight courses (32 credits) and a thesis.

Course List

• Major Requirements
  • RUSSN-GA 2121: Graduate Proseminar (4 credits)
  • RUSSN-GA 2137: Grad Research Seminar and Practicum (4 credits)
• Electives
  • Other Elective Credits (24 credits)
• Total Credits: 32

Additional Program Requirements

Language Requirement

Before being granted the MA, students must demonstrate research-level proficiency in Russian by either passing an examination or earning the equivalent of an A grade in the department's graduate-level Reading Contemporary Russian II course.

Master's Thesis

Students must complete a Master's thesis.

International Relations Concentration

The program offers a concentration in International Relations, completed with 34 credits.

Concentration Requirements

• Concentration Requirements
  • RUSSN-GA 2121: Graduate Proseminar (4 credits)
  • INTRL-GA 1600: Global & Intnl History (4 credits)
  • INTRL-GA 1700: International Relations (4 credits)
  • INTRL-GA 4000: Master's Thesis Seminar (2 credits)
• Electives
  • Select one 4-credit International Relations elective (4 credits)
  • Other Elective Credits (16 credits)
• Total Credits: 34

Additional Program Requirements

Language Requirement

Students are required to fulfill the same requirements with regard to the language requirement as others in the Russian and Slavic Studies.

Master's Thesis

Students will write a jointly supervised MA thesis (one advisor from International Relations and one affiliated with the Department of Russian and Slavic Studies), an original piece of scholarly work of approximately 40-50 pages.

Sample Plan of Study

• 1st Semester/Term
  • RUSSN-GA 2121: Graduate Proseminar (4 credits)
  • Elective Course (4 credits)
  • Elective Course (4 credits)
  • Total Credits: 12
• 2nd Semester/Term
  • RUSSN-GA 2137: Grad Research Seminar and Practicum (4 credits)
  • Elective Course (4 credits)
  • Elective Course (4 credits)
  • Total Credits: 12
• 3rd Semester/Term
  • Elective Course (4 credits)
  • Elective Course (4 credits)
  • Total Credits: 8
• Total Credits: 32

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have:

1. A general understanding of Russian history and culture, to be gained through completion of required and approved courses.
2. Proficiency in Russian language at the advanced level, as demonstrated either by passing the departmental language exam or earning an A- or A in a 3rd-year college Russian course.
3. Proficiency in sourcing and utilizing scholarly materials in both English and Russian, effectively formulating a thesis, analyzing arguments, and developing original arguments that acknowledge and engage with the work of other scholars, while also communicating ideas clearly and persuasively.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.