2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Russian and Eurasian Studies, BA


Banner Code:  LA-BA-REST

Web: russianstudies.gmu.edu

This program of study is offered by the Russian and Eurasian Studies Program .

For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see the Academic Policies  chapter of the catalog.

Degree Requirements


Students pursuing a BA in Russian and Eurasian studies must satisfy university general education requirements and the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as the requirements for all bachelor’s degrees as stated in the Academic Policies chapter of the catalog. Students pursuing this degree must complete 33 credits in one of the concentrations below with a minimum GPA of 2.00.

▲ Concentration in Eurasia Studies (EURS)


The Eurasia studies concentration is designed to provide students with interdisciplinary training in the study of Eurasia, with special focus on Central Asia and secondarily on Russia/the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Students will develop a high degree of competence in the history, politics, and culture of Eurasia and a basic competence in a relevant language.

Two courses (6 credits) of Russian or other Eurasian-related language


Courses used to meet this requirement may be in the same language that is used to meet the college language requirement, in which case the student needs to complete 6 credits beyond intermediate proficiency (beyond courses numbered 210 at Mason). With the approval of the director, courses used to meet this requirement may be in a Eurasian-related language that was not used to meet the college language requirement at a level approved by the director.

Two social science courses at the 300- and 400-level (6 credits)


Courses used to fulfill this requirement must focus primarily on Central Asia and Eurasia and may be in any social science discipline (ANTH, ECON, GGS, GOVT, SOCI).

Two history courses at the 300- and 400-level (6 credits)


Courses used to fulfill this requirement must focus primarily on Central Asia and Eurasia.

Two literature or film courses at the 300- and 400-level (6 credits)


Courses used to fulfill this requirement must be related to Eurasia.

Three courses at the 300- and 400-level (9 credits) chosen from:


Students choose from courses that focus predominantly on Eurasia. The courses used to meet this requirement may be in any field of study including special topics courses and other courses that deal primarily with the geographic areas covered in the Russian and Eurasian studies major. To use a special topics course or other course with variable content to meet this requirement, students should seek the advanced written approval of the director.  (Special topics courses may be repeated for credit when the topic is different.) The following courses when the topic is relevant, among others, may be used to meet this requirement.

Total: 33 credits


▲ Concentration in Russia Studies (RUSS)


The Russia studies concentration is designed to provide students with in-depth interdisciplinary training in Russia and the Soviet Union. Students will develop a high degree of competence in Russian history, politics, society, and culture as well as a basic competence in the Russian language and the broader Eurasian context.

Two required language courses (6 credits)


Other relevant advanced language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director.  Majors are encouraged to take additional advanced Russian language courses.

Two courses (6 credits) of Russian or Soviet history chosen from:


When the topic is relevant, HIST 300, HIST 388, or HIST 499 may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director.

Two courses (6 credits) of social sciences dealing primarily with Russia chosen from:


Any topically appropriate courses in any social science discipline (ANTH, ECON, GGS, GOVT, SOCI) may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director.

Two courses (6 credits) of Russian literature or culture chosen from:


Other relevant courses may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director.

Three courses at the 300 and 400 level (9 credits)


Students choose from courses that focus predominantly on Eastern Europe, Russia, or Central Asia. Courses used to meet this requirement may be in any field of study including special topics courses and other courses that deal primarily with the geographic areas covered in the Russian and Eurasian studies major. To use a special topics course or other course with variable content to meet this requirement, students should seek the advanced written approval of the director. (Special topics courses may be repeated for credit when the topic is different.)  Examples of courses that may meet this requirement:

Total: 33 credits


▲ Concentration in Russian Language and Culture (RULC)


Students in the Russian language and culture concentration develop a high degree of competence in Russian language and culture and a basic familiarity with Russian and Eurasian history and politics.

Three required courses (9 credits) in advanced Russian


Two courses (6 credits) in Russian literature or cinema in translation, chosen from:


One course (3 credits) in the social sciences chosen from:


Students choose from courses dealing with Russia. Any other topically appropriate course in a social science discipline (ANTH, ECON, GGS, GOVT, SOCI) may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director.

Total: 33 credits


Writing-Intensive Requirement


The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated “writing intensive” in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in Russian and Eurasian studies may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing RUSS 302, 325, or 407.