Russian
In addition to our strong language program, we offer a wide array of culture classes, including a general introductory Russian culture course and a popular film course. We also offer two literature in translation courses: Evil & the Supernatural and Beauty, Power, & Pride. A seminar serves as a capstone course and ensures that all of our students have a serious piece of research to use as a writing sample beyond college, if needed.
Our program is small and personal, with a strong commitment to mentoring students. We are also nationally recognized for both our faculty and student accomplishments. UM students of Russian have a stellar record of awards. They place exceptionally well in ACTR's annual national essay contest and are awarded the State Department's Critical Language Scholarships, Fulbright Grants, and Boren Awards. With a degree in Russian from UM, many students have gone on to law school, to graduate programs in Slavic, or to teach English in Russia.
We also offer Russian-related opportunities outside of the classroom. Most importantly, our students run an active Russian Club, which hosts a weekly conversation table and monthly cultural evenings. Additionally, every year we invite a Russian scholar from another university to give a lecture and meet with students. Finally, we also highly encourage students to experience a Russian-speaking country first-hand, either through UM's three-week faculty-led study abroad program (offered every 2-3 years) or through semester- and year-long programs.
Many students of Russian here at UM pursue double majors in such disciplines as history, political science, English literature, journalism, and business. The Russian faculty advises students on pairing majors and minors, on opportunities for study abroad, and on post-graduation plans. We are here for our students.