The Courses
Language Courses
The program offers a sequence of Russian language courses that allows students to achieve high levels of Russian language proficiency.
Russian
Elementary Russian (Russian 110 and 120):
Beginning of four-skill language course. Russian spoken in class, grammar introduced gradually. Regular written assignments and language lab exercises to develop proficiency in all four language skills. No previous language experience required.
Intermediate Russian (Russian 230 and 240)
For students with some previous study of Russian (Russian 110 and 120 or outside study). Focus on solidifying linguistic performance by creating with the language to produce unrehearsed, meaningful exchanges of information. Refining of structural knowledge and expansion of vocabulary within the context of Russian culture. Authentic texts and films are used to create context for reviewing and expanding grammar, syntax and vocabulary knowledge.
Advanced Russian (Russian 301 and 302)
For students who completed two years of Russian or an equivalent. This course aims at developing students' vocabulary and ability to use complex grammatical and syntactic structures, as well as their ability to speak and write about community, cultural differences, current events, literature, and films.
Heritage Russian/Russian for Russian Speakers (Russian 197B)
This course is designed for students who grew up in Russian-speaking families but who have had little or no experience in reading and/or writing in Russian.
If you are in doubt which course is a good fit for you, please contact Professor Evgeny Dengub (edengub@umass.edu) who will help you make a selection.
- The UMass Russian language program is coordinated with the language programs at Smith College and Mount Holyoke College. If a class at the University does not fit your schedule, you can always take this class at either of the colleges. The full schedule of 5 College Russian and REPS classes is available.
If you would like to test out of the language requirement, contact Professor Evgeny Dengub (edengub@umass.edu)
Polish
Elementary Polish (110 & 120)
Intermediate Polish (230 & 240)
Interdisciplinary courses
Courses for the REPS major are regularly available in at least six university departments at UMass. Students may also enroll in Five College courses and participate in study abroad programs to fulfill major and minor requirements. While UMass REPS course offerings vary by semester, this is a partial list.
ANTHRO 394 Europe After the Wall
HISTORY 316 History of USSR
HISTORY 392 Human Rights and Energy Security
LEGAL 318 Russian Politics, Law & Society
POLISCI 394CI Central Asian Politics
JUDAIC 320 Jewish Humor
JUDAIC 385 Russian Jews