Russian and Eurasian Studies Minor

The Russian and Eurasian Studies Minor is intended to augment students’ major field
of study by exposing them to different perspectives than the viewpoints conventionally
encountered in Western-focused disciplines, thereby enhancing their cross-cultural
literacy. The geographic region of the minor occupies the historical, cultural, and
economic crossroads between East and West, encompassing the peoples of Russia,
Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. It prepares students for
careers in the US government, international business, media, and non-governmental
organizations. It also sets up students to succeed in graduate programs in the field.
The minor includes a wide variety of classes, allowing for a flexible course of study that
broadens student understanding of East-West relations and cultures. In concert with
their major field of study, students in the minor learn about the Russia and related
regions through interdisciplinary coursework, language training, internships, and
opportunities to study abroad.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate understanding of Russian and Eurasian identities, including the interaction of geography, language, culture, politics, and economics in creatingand shaping these identities over time.
2. Demonstrate basic competency in the Russian language or another language from the region.
3. Be able to think critically concerning how power and ideology affect cultural practice.
4. Analyze the interaction of economic and political structures in Russian and regional history and culture, with particular attention to historical and contemporary instability and transition.
5. Explore practical applications in related professions and academic settings.

Requirements

• A grade of C is required for all courses in the minor.
• One course is required for Section I, totaling three credits. One course is required for Section II, totaling five credits. Four courses are required for Section III, totaling 12 credits.
• Students may double-count up to six credits from their majors or CCU core requirements towards the minor.
• Students may apply up to nine credits from study abroad programs to the minor. All study abroad programs must be approved in advance by thecoordinator of the minor.