The Russian program offers a number of courses in Russian language and culture as well as the following degree option: minor in Russian. The program features exceptional opportunities for language study in small classes supported by cutting edge-technology.
The Russian Program at SF State has been in existence since 1953. The program offers courses in language acquisition, culture and literature. We offer exceptional opportunities for language study in small classes supported by cutting edge-technology in the newly refurbished Multi Media Language Lab and effective, enthusiastic personalized instruction. The program also offers opportunities to join our Russian club and participate in outings to Russian restaurants, view Russian films, attend social events organized by the Russian program on campus and in the Russian community. Extensive opportunities are available for exchange with conversation partners. Even without a formal arrangement, everything you learn in the classroom becomes current currency on the streets of San Francisco, a city with a highly visible Russian presence.
The Russian minor is designed to provide undergraduate students with an understanding of the language, literature and culture of Russia. Mediating between East and West, Russia has charted its own course, often challenging the preconceptions of others while playing a major geopolitical role and giving rise to some of the greatest cultural products and scientific achievements of modern times. The leading member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Russia spans 11 time zones and provides a common language for peoples of the former Soviet Union. Russia has the world's 10th largest economy and is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a member of the G8, G20, the Council of Europe, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, etc. It is an influential power with continued international ambitions and vast natural resources. The Russian language is spoken by 280 million people worldwide. It is one of the six United Nations official languages. In addition to its inherent intellectual challenges, the minor will be useful to students planning careers in International Relations, International Business and Finance, the Foreign Service, Humanities and Education. For additional information, please contact the Program advisor or your instructors.
Declare a Minor in Russian
To declare a minor, complete a Declaration of Major/Minor form, then make an appointment to see the program advisor. Bring a copy of your most recent university transcript to the meeting.
The Russian Studies Minor at San Francisco State University offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the Russian language and to the cultures and politics of Russia and the Republics of the former Soviet Union. Spoken by over 166 million people in over a dozen countries spanning Europe, Central- and East Asia, Russian is one of the world’s major languages. It is also considered a 'Strategic Language' by the US Government. The Russian Studies Minor combines instruction in Russian language with classes in culture, politics, and history and exposes students to the diverse cultural practices and political developments in today’s Russia and Russian speaking communities.
In this post-Soviet era the study of Russian language and culture, and the knowledge of the country as a whole, becomes even more imperative. Students are either frequently visiting Russia or working there for an extended period of time. In addition, there is now a greater availability of Russian archival material to Western students, researchers, and scholars.
The minor in Russian consists of 23 units of lower- and upper-division coursework. Up to 13 units of prerequisite coursework or demonstrated language proficiency is required to begin the minor.
Russian Studies Minor - 14 units minimum
All course work used to satisfy the requirements of the minor must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
A minimum of 6 upper-division units are required to complete the minor.
Lower-Division Requirements (8 units)
Upper-Division Requirements (6-8 units)
Select Two:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CINE 373 | Film and Society | 3 |
| HUM 373 | Biography of a City: European Cities | 3 |
| I R 303 | Post-Western World: Political, Economic, and Cultural Challenges | 1 |
| I R 460/HIST 430 | Rising Powers | 4 |
| JS/CWL 480 | European Jewish Writers | 3 |
| MLL 325 | Linguistics for Foreign Languages | 3 |
| MLL 400GW | Reading and Analysis of Cultural Texts - GWAR | 3 |
| PLSI/I R 407 | Politics of Russia | 4 |
| PLSI/I R 409 | Russia and World Order | 4 |
| RUSS 306 | Advanced Conversation and Composition | 3 |