Russian and Eurasian Studies

Russian & Eurasian Studies Advisor: Edward Vajda

The Russian and Eurasian studies minor provides students with basic proficiency in the Russian language, combined with a broad understanding of the history and cultures of the wider Eurasian area. The minor provides a well-rounded education in Russia’s current and past experience as the key country, language, and culture across a broad area of Europe and Asia.

Why Consider a Russian and Eurasian Studies Minor?

The multifaceted programs of the department provide an opening to the world through language, literature, culture and civilization. To be able to communicate in a second language is a fundamental asset in any profession in an increasingly globalized world, from careers in education, translating and interpreting, to those in international studies, health, business or law. Many job listings include proficiency in a world language as a desirable or necessary tool. In addition, a language minor helps students acquire other types of abilities leading to success in the job market: cultural literacy, communication skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, a capacity for problem solving, and the ability to learn quickly.

Minor Information

Course Offerings

Visit WWU ClassFinder to view the days, times, and openings for courses during the academic year.

Offered every other year during winter quarter (Winter 2021)

Introduces the Russian alphabet, basic conversation and grammar. First course in the Russian language sequence. Immersion course taught entirely in Russian.

Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter

Offered every other year during spring quarter (Spring 2021)

The second half of the introductory Russian language sequence. Immersion course taught entirely in Russian.

Prerequisites & Notes: RUSS 110
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
GUR Attributes: BCOM​

Offered every other year during fall quarter (Fall 2019)

Review of fundamentals: speaking, reading, writing and understanding.

Prerequisites & Notes: RUSS 120 or equivalent
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
GUR Attributes: BCOM​

Offered every other year during winter quarter (Winter 2020)

Review of fundamentals: speaking, reading, writing and understanding.

Prerequisites & Notes: RUSS 201
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
GUR Attributes: HUM

Offered every other year during winter quarter (Winter 2020)

Review of fundamentals: speaking, reading, writing and understanding.

Prerequisites & Notes: RUSS 202
Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
GUR Attributes: HUM

An individualized course of study not available through or replacing existing curriculum, to be arranged between one matriculating student and sponsoring faculty member. All academic policies and registration deadlines apply. Directed Independent Study courses cannot substitute for General University Requirements and are not eligible for tuition waiver.

Credits: 1-15

Offered every other fall face-to-face, and online in summer session.

Survey of the history and culture of the Russian people from the earliest times to the present, with comparisons to other Western societies.

Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
GUR Attributes: BCGM​

Offered every other fall face-to-face, and online in summer session.

Surveys the origins, cultures and languages of the pastoral peoples of Eurasia, including the Mongols, Turks, Arabs, peoples of Iran and Afghanistan, as well as the native tribes of Siberia and the North Pacific Rim.

Credits: 5
Grade Mode: Letter
GUR Attributes: ACGM​

An individualized course of study not available through or replacing existing curriculum, to be arranged between one matriculating student and sponsoring faculty member. All academic policies and registration deadlines apply. Directed Independent Study courses cannot substitute for General University Requirements and are not eligible for tuition waiver.

Credits: 1-15

An individualized course of study not available through or replacing existing curriculum, to be arranged between one matriculating student and sponsoring faculty member. All academic policies and registration deadlines apply. Directed Independent Study courses cannot substitute for General University Requirements and are not eligible for tuition waiver.

Credits: 1-15

Variable topics in Eurasian Studies, including folklore, linguistics, area studies. Repeatable for credit.

Prerequisites & Notes: EUS 201 or EUS 210 or instructor permission
Credits: 3
Grade Mode: Letter