Courses in Russian literature are taught by internationally renowned faculty with a broad variety of specializations, from medieval Slavic literature to the classic Russian novel, to current writing in Russia. Poetry is a particular strength, with detailed coverage of great Russian poetry from Lomonosov, Pushkin, and Akhmatova to Brodsky and beyond. Another strength is Russian intellectual history, from the Slavophiles to Bakhtin. Our offerings also include coverage of contemporary theory and non-verbal media.
MA: Nine quarter courses (including: Proseminar in Literary Theory and Methods; Introduction to Slavic Linguistics; and at least three courses in the literature of specialization) and a comprehensive examination in the literature of specialization, based on a department reading list. This exam also serves as a Qualifying Examination for admission to the Ph.D. program. An exam demonstrating a reading knowledge of French or German is required. Students who intend to go on to the Ph.D. degree are encouraged to obtain preparation in a second Slavic language.
PhD: In addition to the courses required at the Master's level, students must take one course in the history of their language of specialization and one course in its structure. Remaining required courses will be those needed to prepare for the comprehensive examination. Before taking the comprehensive examination, students in literature must demonstrate a reading knowledge of one Slavic language in addition to their language of specialization; they must also have successfully completed at least one advanced seminar. An exam demonstrating reading knowledge in both French and German is required. The comprehensive examination is given in the following areas: