Moscow State University
COURSE SELECTION
Courses are offered at Moscow State University (MSU).
Students have the option of taking courses taught in English, in Russian or in combination.
Syllabi are available for courses taught in English.
Students interested in taking one or more courses taught in Russian must have a high level of proficiency in the language, including reading and writing skills.
Contact an
Advisor to obtain a list of courses taught in Russian and learn about the course selection process.
Russian language courses are awarded 3 to 12 credits (each course is 50 to 240 contact hours).
All other courses are awarded 3 credits (each course is 40 to 45 contact hours).
Below is a list of Russian Language and Russian studies courses taught in English.
Click on a course title to view the description.
COURSES: RUSSIAN BUSINESS, LAW & DIPLOMACY
BUS/ECO/POL 342 Political Economy of Russia
This course introduces students to the political economy of Russia, and to a lesser extent, of the other states of the ex-Soviet Union. "Political economy" refers to a strongly interactive process of economic factors driving political decision-making, and political decision-making determining the development of national economic factors. The course begins with an examination of the Command-Administrative Economy of the USSR and an analysis of its structure. Building on this, it proceeds to an examination of perestroika. The major portion of the course is an examination of the policies of the post-Soviet government with a focus on current policies.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
BUS/ECO 534 Russian Business Practice
This course examines economic, political, cultural and demographic conditions and trends that influence business practices and investments in Russia. The course will identify issues managers face in developing countries in key business areas, including finance, marketing, personnel management and organization, production and governmental relations.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
POL 335 Russian Political System
This course covers the structure of Russia’s post-soviet government. Students will explore issues related to political and economic alternatives to state socialism, privatization, constitutional developments, party formation, and domestic and international policy.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
POL 435 Legal Structure in Russia
The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of Russia’s current legal and political system. Topics include the influence of poverty and wealth on the legal and political system, rise of capitalism and its effect on politics, legal and political reforms under the Gorbachev, Yeltzen and Putin administrations, and intellectual property rights.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
POL/BUS 420 Research with Faculty
Students conduct independent research projects under the supervision of MSU faculty. Emphasis is placed on inquiry-based learning and report writing.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
POL/BUS 421 Professional Internship
Students participate in a professional internship at a company, not-for-profit organization or law firm. Internship positions include, but not limited to, business (accounting, finance, marketing, etc.), international relations and law. Internships are supervised by MSU faculty and/or KEI Program Coordinator. Credit is awarded based on satisfactory completion of work and academic expectations, including a daily journal and final paper. One credit hour is awarded for every 40 work hours.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
COURSES: RUSSIAN LANGUAGE & CULTURE
ART 266 Russian Art
Examination of the art of Russia, from icons of the 12th century to contemporary art. Particular attention is given to understanding this art in its cultural and historical context and to the elucidation of the Russian tradition as a part of European art history. Artists discussed include Rublev, Repin, Petrov-Vodkin, Malevich, and Goncharova.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
COM 340 Mass Media in Russia
Introduces the student to the history and development of the various mass media in Russia, including newspapers, magazines, radio, and television, with emphasis on news media. Students also discuss current issues and trends within the context of the new communications environment created by digital information technologies. Attention is given to the role of advertising, public relations, media ownership, and the public in shaping the content of mass communication.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
HIS 371 Russian History & Culture
Russian civilization; major political, social, cultural and economic developments from the ninth century to present. Study of values extant in selected incidents in Russian history which were characterized by severe conflicts. Emphasis placed on modern history.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
ART/LIT/SOC/HIS/POL/ECO 381 Russian Studies Seminar
LAN 101 Russian Language (Beginner I)
This course aims to help the student to acquire some knowledge of basic Russian, so that s/he can communicate with Russians, using basic vocabulary and grammar to express him/herself.
4-12 credits. Prerequisites: none
LAN 102 Russian Language (Beginner II)
This course includes more advanced grammatical structures. Elementary vocabulary is expanded to further develop communicative skills.
4-12 credits. Prerequisites: LAN 101 or equivalent
LAN 201 Russian Language (Intermediate I)
This course aims to help the students enhance their knowledge of Russian language and expand their vocabulary.
4-12 credits. Prerequisites: LAN 102 or equivalent
LAN 202 Russian Language (Intermediate II)
Students taking this course will be able to improve their knowledge of Russian grammar, expand their vocabulary and learn different styles of expression. They will become acquainted with the highlights of classical and modern Russian literature.
4-12 credits. Prerequisites: LAN 201 or equivalent
LAN 301 Russian Language (Advanced)
This course suits the needs of students who would like to achieve proficiency in communicative skills, to master grammar and to enrich their vocabulary. It is also for teachers of Russian as a foreign language who want to improve their professional competence.
4-12 credits. Prerequisites: LAN 202 or equivalent
LIT 223 Russian Literature
A survey of 19th century through contemporary Russian literature, including major works by Pushkin, Lermontov, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Babel, Olesha and Zamiatin. Along with issues of narrative technique and style, the course also deals with some of the central questions of the Russian literary tradition: Russia's relation to the East and West, the problem of the "superfluous man," the generation gap between "fathers and sons," the nature of the "moral life," the feasibility of radical social change, issues of the "new man" and "new woman," the role of the intellectual in the "new world."
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
XXX 421 Community Internship
Students participate in a community internship at a non-governmental-organization (NGO) or volunteer organization. Internships are supervised by MSU faculty and/or KEI Program Coordinator. Credit is awarded based on satisfactory completion of work and academic expectations, including a daily journal and final paper. One credit hour is awarded for every 40 work hours.
3 credits. Prerequisites: none
