Cornell University Registrar

Program Description

The Russian Minor in the Department of Comparative Literature is open to undergraduates in all seven colleges. The minor allows students to explore an interest in Russian language, literature, and culture.

Requirements for the minor are proficiency in Russian language, and four non-language courses, as specified below.

How to Apply

Use this form to declare the Russian Minor and to keep a record of courses you're taking to fulfill the minor requirements. By the seventh week of the semester before graduation, students must consult with Professor Nancy Pollak in the Department of Comparative Literature (np27@cornell.edu) to certify completion of the minor.

For further information about the minor, please contact Professor Pollak (np27@cornell.edu).

Students who complete the minor requirements will have it represented on their transcript.

Minor Requirements

Language Requirement for the Russian Minor

There are two ways to satisfy the requirement of proficiency in Russian:

1. complete RUSSA 2204.
2. for those who place out of RUSSA 2204, complete RUSSA 3305 or RUSSA 3306. Russian language courses taken abroad or at American summer programs may be counted towards this requirement if they are aimed at achieving similar proficiency levels.

Four additional non-language courses (for 3 or more credits, at the 2000-level or above)

At least two of the four non-language courses must be in Russian literature, and at least one must include reading in Russian. (Note: Reading courses offered by the Russian Language Program cannot be counted towards any portion of the literature requirement.) The two remaining courses may be in Russian literature, or students may choose Russia-related courses in other departments, for example, Linguistics, History, and Government.