Why study Russian?
Approximately 260 million people speak Russian worldwide. Beyond Russia, the language is spoken in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and areas with large numbers of Russian immigrants, such as the United States and Israel, which both have almost 1 million Russian speakers.
The U.S. State Department classifies Russian as a "critical language." Russian is one of 15 languages deemed to be critical to America’s national security and economic prosperity. Developing proficiency in Russian language skills will give students access to in-demand fields of employment, both with the government and private sector. There are additional scholarship opportunities as well to study critical languages.
UTSA’s Russian program provides four levels of instruction from elementary to fourth-year Russian for students to build language proficiency skills. In all levels of language study, students will also gain an understanding of Russia’s cultural heritage, discuss Russia’s role in the world, as well as explore other cultures from Russian-speaking regions and countries. In addition to language classes, each semester we offer literature, film and culture courses offered in English under the classification Comparative Studies in the Humanities (CSH).
By majoring or minoring in a foreign language and culture, students will develop communication skills and critical thinking skills that will be useful across career fields. Our faculty closely advises Modern Language majors and Russian minors toward employment in fields where they can utilize their language skills. A degree in the humanities helps students develop:
- mutual understanding of other cultures and our interconnectedness
- intercultural competency and greater ability to work on diverse teams
- enhanced problem-solving skills through openness to alternative solutions
Students often simultaneously develop additional skills in areas of study in cyber security, global affairs, business and pre-medicine tracks. We encourage and advise our students to apply to national awards that promote language learning, such as the Critical Language Scholarship, the Boren Scholarship, and the Fulbright Student Program.
Featured Student
Taylor Helmcamp, Fulbright Student Program award recipient (Belarus) and acceptance to UT-Austin Law/MA in Russian and Eastern European Studies. Helmcamp plans to pursue a career in energy law as a foreign service officer.
Getting Started
Is Russian difficult?
No. In fact, many students claim it is easier than some of the more commonly taught languages. And the alphabet takes only a few hours to learn.
When should I start taking Russian?
Students should start taking courses as soon as possible. Elementary Russian I (RUS 1014) is offered each fall and continues with Elementary Russian II (RUS 1024) in the spring. After that, students can take up to two Russian classes per semester, depending on course offerings.
How does Russian fit in with my other coursework?
In addition to courses in your major, you will need both lower division and upper division electives. By taking Russian, you can concentrate your electives into a Minor in Russian.
What are the requirements for a Minor in Russian?
In addition to the elementary courses RUS 1014 and 1024, you need to take the intermediate classes RUS 2013 and 2023, plus 12 additional hours of Russian (9 upper division hours). Some of these classes can be taken concurrently with the intermediate classes.
What if I already know Russian or previously studied Russian elsewhere?
Students who are heritage speakers or have had prior study will be placed at the appropriate level. Students can also transfer in credits toward requirements from other universities or from the Defense Language Institute. Contact Dr. Chapman for advising.
Are there other activities?
Yes, the UTSA Russian Club meets each semester to promote language and culture through a variety of activities. Please visit our Facebook Page for more details.
Contact
Andrew Chapman
Russian Program Director
Modern Languages and Literatures
andrew.chapman2@utsa.eduRussian Courses Offered
(3-2) 4 Credit Hours. (TCCN = RUSS 1411)
Fundamentals of Russian offering the opportunity to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Introduction to Russian culture. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Language, Philosophy and Culture. Generally offered: Fall.
(3-2) 4 Credit Hours. (TCCN = RUSS 1412)
Prerequisite: RUS 1014, the equivalent, an appropriate placement test score, or consent of instructor. Fundamentals of Russian offering the opportunity to further develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Further exposure to Russian culture. Generally offered: Spring
(3-1) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = RUSS 2311)
Prerequisite: RUS 1024, the equivalent, an appropriate placement test score, or consent of instructor. Continued opportunity to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Continued exposure to Russian culture. Generally offered: Fall.
(3-1) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = RUSS 2312)
Prerequisite: RUS 2013, the equivalent, an appropriate placement test score, or consent of instructor. Continued opportunity to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Continued exposure to Russian culture. Generally offered: Spring.
(3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Major works of Russian literature across time, genres, and movements. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Language, Philosophy and Culture. (Formerly RUS 3333. Credit cannot be earned for both RUS 2333 and RUS 3333.)
(3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: RUS 2013 or the equivalent. Further development of speaking skills in a variety of contexts. May be repeated once for credit when topics vary.
(3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: RUS 2013 or the equivalent. Extensive grammar review. Further development of speaking and writing skills through activities directed at the intermediate-high and advanced levels. Considerations of differences between written and spoken language. May be repeated once for credit when topics vary.
(3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: RUS 2023 or the equivalent. Opportunity to develop advanced-level oral and written communication skills in the Russian language, along with enhanced comprehension skills in listening and reading. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.
(3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: RUS 2013 or the equivalent. Further development of proficiency by content-based instruction. Topics may include geopolitics, traditions, history, music, literature, art, or film. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Formerly RUS 3633). Generally offered: Spring.
Russian and East European Science Fiction in Literature and Film
Can I Study Abroad?
Yes! While right now, study abroad in Russia is not possible, students in the Russian program are currently studying abroad in countries where Russian is spoken. Examples in Baltic countries include Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Examples in the Caucasus region include Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. There are also study abroad programs that travel to Central Asia to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Students can also attend domestic summer language programs in the US. Your coursework will apply toward the Minor in Russian or the major in Foreign Languages. For more information on programs, course credits, and study abroad scholarship opportunities, contact Dr. Chapman.
Scholarship Opportunities
There are many scholarship opportunities to help fund study abroad programs. Russian is marked as a “Critical Need Language” by the US Government, which increases funding opportunities. Students should plan to look at scholarship opportunities up to one year in advance of their travel date. Please see the following award opportunities, which UTSA Russian students have received:
- Gilman Scholarship for Study Abroad: Up to $5000 for study abroad programs
- Critical Language Scholarship: Fully-funded summer language institutes abroad and offered virtually
- Boren Scholarship: Up to $20,000 to study Russian for up to 12 months.
Please email Russian Program Director, Andrew Chapman, at Andrew.Chapman2@utsa.edu for application advice and how programs will apply toward UTSA credit.
Domestic Opportunities
Students are also able to earn credit in intensive summer language programs. By participating in one of these programs, students can transfer credit toward the minor/major and typically earn up to a year of language experience. On these programs, students typically spend 4-5 hours per day taking intensive language classes. Students can also study other Slavic languages such as Ukrainian, Polish, or Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian.
We recommend the following programs in Russian:
- Arizona State University Critical Language Institute (domestic, abroad, and hybrid programs)
- University of Pittsburgh Summer Language Institute (domestic programs)
- Middlebury Language School (see scholarships for students attending Hispanic Serving Institutions).
Please email Russian Program Director, Andrew Chapman, at Andrew.Chapman2@utsa.edu for application advice and how programs will apply toward UTSA credit.
