Degree Requirements
Master of Arts
Concentration in Slavic Languages and Literatures
Students are expected to complete a minimum of 30 credits of graded coursework, including a minimum of six credits in nineteenth-century literature, a minimum of six credits in twentieth-century literature, RUSS 5010 (Readings in the Social Sciences), RUSS 5030 (Advanced Russian I) and RUSS 7010 (Proseminar).
Students are expected to pass a proficiency examination in Russian by the conclusion of the third semester and to enroll in RUSS 5050 (Advanced Conversation) each term until this examination is passed.
Students are expect to pass a comprehensive examination composed of one written and one oral component and which can be retaken once if failed.
Students are expected to complete all degree requirements by the conclusion of the fourth semester.
Concentration in Contemporary Russian Studies
Of the 30 credits required for the master's degree, students are expected to complete a minimum of 24 credits of graded coursework, including RUSS 5010 (Readings in the Social Sciences), RUSS 5030 (Advanced Russian I), six credits in nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature, three credits in folklore or traditional culture, and nine credits in Russian history and Russian politics, with both fields represented.
Students are expected to pass a proficiency examination in Russian by the conclusion of the third semester and to enroll in RUSS 5050 (Advanced Conversation) each term until this examination is passed.
Students are expected to write and defend a thesis, enrolling at least once in RUSS 8999 (Master's Thesis).
Students are expected to complete all degree requirements by the conclusion of the fourth semester.
Doctor of Philosophy
Of the 72 credits required for the doctoral degree, students are expected to complete a minimum of 52 credits of graded coursework, including a minimum of nine credits in nineteenth-century literature, a minimum of nine credits in twentieth-century literature, RUSS 5010 (Readings in the Social Sciences), RUSS 5030 (Advanced Russian I) during the first semester, RUSS 7010 (Proseminar), RUSS 7290 (Medieval and Eighteenth-Century Russian Literature), and 21 credits in literature, linguistics or culture.
Students are expected to pass a proficiency examination in Russian by the conclusion of the third semester and to enroll in RUSS 5050 (Advanced Conversation) each term until this examination is passed.
Students are expected to demonstrate reading proficiency in French or German and a second modern Slavic language.
By the conclusion of the fourth semester, students are expected to pass a master's-level comprehensive examination composed of one written and one oral component. Any part of this exam may be retaken once if failed. Upon completing this qualifying requirement, students are expected to submit to the Director of Graduate Studies a written petition to continue doctoral study that includes a preliminary dissertation research plan.
During the fifth semester, students are expected to enroll in a prospectus research colloquium.
During the sixth semester, students are expected to enroll in a comprehensive examination colloquium.
By the conclusion of the sixth semester, students are expected to pass a PhD-level comprehensive examination composed of two written exams and an oral exam and to write and defend a dissertation prospectus.
Students are expected to complete all requirements stated above by the conclusion of the sixth semester.
Students are expected to write and defend a dissertation.