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What's special about Russian at UMBC? |
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 t UMBC the study of Russian is part of the major and minor programs of the department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication (MLLI). The MLLI faculty, which includes a unique combination of specialists in linguistics, sociology, cultural and literary studies, and language pedagogy, have been pioneers in developing an interdisciplinary curriculum. Most university language programs focus almost exclusively on language and literature.But in UMBC’s interdisciplinary MLLI program, students of Russian participate with students of other languages in a common core of three courses that stress linguistic and cultural analysis. So aside from acquiring a proficiency in Russian and a knowledge of the culture of Russia and the former Soviet Union, they also learn about the dynamics of languages and cultures in general. UMBC’s Russian courses address an exciting variety of themes: in our classes, students follow developments in the ever-changing (and ever-challenging!) cultural, social, and political environment of today’s Russia, using authentic print media, video, and the Internet. Most of our classes are small, with the opportunity for individual interaction with professors. We often work one-on-one with students in independent study courses, where they can pursue topics of special interest. Students benefit from interaction with the Russian native-speaker population on campus. Students who enjoy Russian folk-singing will want to join our Russian Chorus, which gives several public performances each year. |
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| Is Russian Difficult? |
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| Russian has had the reputation of being a difficult language to learn. The reason most often given for a reluctance to study Russian is apprehension about the different alphabet. But the alphabet is related to the Greek and Latin alphabets, and takes only a few days to learn. Students who have studied other languages (French, Spanish, German) do well in Russian—they find it fun, and different. We also welcome Russian-heritage students, who may speak Russian at home, but not quite natively. |
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Major Program (For a complete description see the UMBC Undergraduate Catalogue.) |
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All majors who pursue the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication take a common core of courses, as follows:
Students select either a one language (Russian) or two language (Russian and a second language) option. Courses required for the one language option and the semester in which they are offered are as follows.
II. Two-Language Option (39 credits)
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| Suggested Sequence of Courses in the Major |
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Since many high schools do not offer Russian, most students begin Russian at UMBC at the 101 level, offered in the Fall, and continue through RUSS 102, 201, 202, and the major courses. It is recommended that MLL 190 and 230 be taken early, before the major sequence begins.
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Minor (For a complete description see the UMBC Undergraduate Catalog.) |
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Students are encouraged to consider combining a minor in Russian with a major in History, Economics, or Political Science, or a minor in International Affairs. Required courses are:
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| Honors |
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| Outstanding students may complete their degree with Honors in Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication in Russian. The Honors program is based on extensive personal interaction with faculty and other honors students, including a final independent study project directed by a faculty member. |
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| Internships |
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| The Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication can provide students with placements in local and international positions related to their study of Russian language and culture. Possible internships in Russian include work for government agencies in Baltimore and Washington, and assisting area hospital patients using Russian-language skills. |
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| Study Abroad | ||||||
| . There are many opportunities for study and internships in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cities in Russia and the newly independent states. We can advise and assist students in arranging for a summer, semester, or year abroad with sponsoring institutions. Credits earned in Russian through study abroad may be transferred to UMBC after consultation with an advisor. |
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| Russian Club | ||||||
| UMBC has a very active Russian Club which traditionally has sponsored fund-raisers, social events, lectures, and outings. All students are welcome. |
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| Employment Opportunities | ||||||
| MLLI graduates have successfully pursued careers in law, medicine, government, education, social services, and international business. In the past, Russian-language students have found employment in US government and Maryland state agencies and at the American Embassy in Moscow. Despite the present uncertainties in Russian private enterprise, there continue to be business opportunities in Russia’s major cities. |
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| Want to teach? | ||||||
| MLLI works closely with the Education department to offer an integrated course of studies to those who wish to obtain a teaching certificate. All teacher education programs at UMBC require the completion of an academic major. Students may major in Russian and complete teacher education programs in secondary education, in elementary education, or in early childhood education. For further information on teacher certification in Russian, contact Dr. Ana María Schwartz, 410 455 2109. |
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| International Multimedia Center |
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Multimedia Center has a satellite dish connection to international television programs, including Russian, as well as computers (PCs and Macs) for individual work, including access to the many Russian-language resources (both text and audio) on the Internet. The Media Center also has a sizable collection of Russian-language CDs, DVDs, and videos. Russian classes at UMBC make extensive use of these materials. All Russian students at UMBC learn how to use the Internet in Russian.
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| Faculty |
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| Elaine Rusinko. Associate Professor Russian and Soviet language, literature, culture and society, Carpatho-Rusyn studies Steven Young. Associate Professor History and Structure of Russian; Slavic and Baltic linguistics. Vira Zhdanovych. Lecturer Russian language. |
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| For more information about Russian at UMBC, contact: | ||||||
| Department of Modern Languages, Linguistics & Intercultural Communication University of Maryland Baltimore County 1000 Hilltop Circle ACIV-146 Baltimore, MD 21250 410 455 2109 www.umbc.edu/mll |
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