B.A. in Russian Language, Literature, and Culture | Slavic Languages & Literatures

Russian language, culture, and politics play an important role beyond Central and Eastern Europe, affecting the international community as a whole. To develop an understanding of this complex country and its people, students pursuing a B.A. in Russian Language, Literature, and Culture start with intensive language study. They then build on this knowledge with diverse cultural studies, including Russian art, cinema, literature, and history. Opportunities for close relationships with acclaimed faculty and hands-on learning are at the core of this transformative experience, and allow students to develop exceptional insight into Russia and the people who reside there.

Beyond our program, students benefit from the department’s close ties to the Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies in the Jackson School of International Studies, as well as to local Slavic communities. They also have the opportunity to take what they learn outside the classroom, by participating in study abroad, practicing their language skills at Russian Table, or attending one of our many departmental events.

Admissions and Advising

University of Washington students in good academic standing may declare the major at any time by meeting with an adviser in the Humanities Academic Services Center. The Slavic Languages and Literatures Department does not offer any online majors. To learn more about applying to the University of Washington as an incoming student, please see information for first-year students, transfer students, or postbaccalaureate students.

Major Requirements

RUSS 110 (5 credits)
RUSS 301, 302, and 303; OR RUSS 350 (15 credits)
One ore more of these language courses may be satisfied by taking placement exam and testing out of them. A successful placement exam does not count towards the 50-credit requirement.
RUSS 322, 323 (10 credits, may be taken in any order)
RUSS 340 (5 credits)
A minimum of 15 credits from the following list of courses (no more than 5 credits may be taken at the 100 level):
A minimum of 50% of credits applied to the major must be taken at the 300 or 400 level.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for all courses presented for this major.
A minimum of 15 graded credits presented for this major must be completed through the UW.

PLEASE NOTE: The University of Washington requires a minimum of 50 credits for all majors. Students who test out of Slavic Department language requirements MUST STILL complete 50 credits appropriate to the Russian Language, Literature, and Culture major, and should select alternate courses with the assistance of an adviser in the Humanities Academic Services Center.