Russian Program
The Russian Program has been part of the curriculum at Queens College for nearly fifty years. Our program seeks, through the achievement of an accurate reading knowledge, adequate aural comprehension, and conversational proficiency, to prepare students to understand, appreciate and use professionally the language, literature, and culture of the Russian-speaking world. Courses offered under the Program's auspices stimulate the exchange of knowledge and technological skills, strengthening cooperation and understanding among individuals, businesses, and organizations.
The department has also offered courses in Belarusan, Polish, Serbo-Croatian, and Ukrainian language and literature. A Spring Slavic Lecture Series brought major Belarusan, Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian writers to campus. A number of leading writers, including Nobel laureate Joseph Brodsky, Bella Akhmadulina, Bulat Okudzhava, Vladimir Voinovich, and Andrei Voznesensky have lectured or taught at the College.
The department houses a chapter of the National Slavic Honor Society, Dobro Slovo. Membership is open to students who filfill the following requirements:
- A cumulative index of at least 3.0
- At least four (4) Russian courses beyond 203, totalling 12 credits
- An average of 3.3 in all Russian electives.
Applications are available in Rufus King Hall, Room 207.
Opportunities
A great many opportunities are available for the person knowledgeable in Russian: internships, work-study and study-tour programs. The knowledge of the Russian language gained from majoring will equip a college graduate for a variety of job opportunities in the inter-culturally-competent global workforce, including international development agencies, corporate foundations, and government-sponsored institutions, as well as private and public corporations. A Russian major can help build the career of enterprising students by giving them the opportunity to obtain meaningful and rewarding employment in a number of foreign settings.
As the twenty-first century evolves, international employment opportunities will continue to grow. At this point in time international commerce is a basic ingredient of nearly every business enterprise. Each day business -- and of course, government -- grow more global in nature. Professionals in every field are being challenged to acquire and demonstrate language and cultural acumen applicable to the world of business. The people who will make multi-national efforts effective are those individuals who have a quality education and the grasp of another culture and language.
The department can arrange for study in St. Petersburg for students of Russian. Depending upon the nature of the courses, credit may be granted toward the major and toward the degree at Queens College. The academic adviser can supply further information on these programs.