RUSSIAN STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS

Engage with a new point of view.

In today’s interconnected world, fluency in other languages can increase career prospects and open up other opportunities. Mercyhurst’s Russian Studies major encourages the development of strong critical thinking and communication skills through immersion in Russian language and grammar, literature, culture and history. The working relationships Mercyhurst has developed with several study abroad programs also offer students the opportunity to earn credits abroad in a variety of formats, so we encourage all of our Russian studies majors to spend some time abroad.

Fast Facts

Mercyhurst’s Russian Studies grads work in range of fields, including government agencies, business, insurance, and international travel.
One of our highest honors is induction into Phi Sigma Iota, the international honors society for the study of foreign languages and cultures. Students are nominated in their junior or senior year and inducted at an annual spring dinner.
Our Russian Studies program is flexible enough so that students can pursue a double major or pair it with other minors.

Minors

Arab and Islamic Studies

Students may pursue a minor in this area by taking seven courses, a minimum of four in Arabic language, and the rest in related coursework in religious studies, political science, history, archaeology, etc., and must maintain a 2.5 in the minor.

Asian Studies

Mercyhurst University's Asian studies minor program (formerly East-West studies) is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental minor in Eastern cultures. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA overall to remain in this minor. In addition, Mercyhurst students must take at least three courses in Asian language and five related courses in either Asian cultures, Japanese literature, Buddhism, Hinduism, Asian politics, world geography or modern Eastern history.

Chinese, French, and Spanish

Mercyhurst students who are interested in pursuing a minor in language, may choose to minor in Chinese, French or Spanish. These minor programs offered through Mercyhurst University's World Languages and Cultures Department offer students courses in language, literature and culture in the student's respective field of study. In addition, Mercyhurst students will have the opportunity to delve into the history of the culture they choose to study.

Students minoring in a Chinese, French or Spanish program must take eight core courses and two upper level courses. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in the minor.

Russian Studies

Mercyhurst students who are interested in pursuing a minor in language, may choose to minor in Russian studies. This minor program offered through Mercyhurst University's World Languages and Cultures Department offers students courses in Russian language, literature and culture. In addition, Mercyhurst students will have the opportunity to delve into Russian history.

Students minoring in Russian studies must take eight core courses and two upper level Russian language courses. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in the minor.

Teaching English Language Learners

Whether you’re planning to work in school districts in the U.S. or travel and work overseas, the ability to effectively teach students the English language will open employment opportunities across the board. Students in the Teaching English-Language Learners minor will learn not only the methods for teaching English as an additional language, but also the language acquisition theories, socio-cultural influences, and program development strategies that make for more culturally sensitive and effective instructors (and leaders) of English language education. The minor includes six core courses, one elective, and more than 60 hours of practicum experience working with trained education professionals in preK-12 and adult education.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge and accurate application of grammar concepts In Russian.
Demonstrate competence in listening and speaking in conversational settings.
Demonstrate ability to read and comprehend literary texts in Russian.
Write descriptive, narrative, expository and argumentative essays in Russian.
Identify major historical figures, architectural styles, paintings and moments in Russian cultural history.
Identify major literary figures, trends and works from Russian literature.
Analyze Russian literary texts in translation for content, structure and style.

STUDY ABROAD

Mercyhurst World Language students apply their global competencies and language skills first-hand through study abroad. Our students have traveled throughout South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East as they make meaningful, lasting connections and experience the unique music, food, sights, and cultural traditions in their countries of study.

FULBRIGHT PROGRAM

Mercyhurst participates in the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant program for Russian, Arabic, and Mandarin. Each year, this program brings young professionals to the U.S. to share their linguistic and cultural expertise by teaching courses, offering conversation groups, and enriching our students' understanding of their area of study.

HONOR SOCIETY

Phi Sigma Iota is an international honor society for the study of foreign languages and cultures, and is one of the highest honors one can achieve in the field. Language majors and minors are nominated in their junior or senior year based on their GPA, a faculty recommendation, and completion of a 300-level language course (or equivalent).

Oral Proficiency Interview

All language majors sit for the Oral Proficiency Interview in their senior year. The OPI is an independent evaluation of a student’s language proficiency level by an outside evaluator. Students can use the OPI rating, which is recognized internationally, on their resumes and employment or graduate school applications.

Fulbright Teaching Assistants

Mercyhurst participates in the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant program for Russian, Arabic, and Mandarin. Each year, this program brings young professionals to the U.S. to share their linguistic and cultural expertise by teaching courses, offering conversation groups, and enriching our students' understanding of their area of study.

Honor Society

Phi Sigma Iota, international honors society for the study of foreign languages and cultures, is one of the highest honors one can achieve in the field. Language majors and minors are nominated in their junior or senior year based on:

the completion of a 300 level language course (or equivalent)

GPA of 3.0 or higher

recommendation of the language faculty

Induction is held each spring at the annual dinner.

For more information, go to the society's official website at www.phisigmaiota.org.

All majors must maintain an overall 2.5 GPA and at least a 2.75 GPA in world language major courses. World language education majors must also meet all the requirements of the education program. All majors and minors, as well as those students seeking teaching certification, are expected to maintain a portfolio, which will be important for assessment at Sophomore Review, before a student is permitted to student teach, and prior to graduation. An outline of requirements for the portfolio, which includes written and oral work, can be obtained from the student's language adviser or from the department director.

Sophomore Review

After winter term of the sophomore year, the department reviews the student's academic record, their language portfolio, and recommendations from professors to determine academic progress. At this time, students are formally invited into the major and are informed in writing of the department's decision.