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Russian Studies (BA)

Delve into the language, culture, and history of Russia.

Program Type
Bachelor
Faculty
Unit
Location
Program Options
Honours
Major
Minor

Why choose this program?

Be part of the oldest Russian Studies program in Canada. This program combines the latest in technology and research with a traditionally intensive, comprehensive, and personalized approach to learning the Russian language. Small class sizes create the congenial atmosphere of a close-knit community.

Admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

  1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
  2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
  3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many ±«Óãtv programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific admission requirements

  • Minimum overall average: 70%

  • Academic English 12

  • Four additional academic subjects

Financial information

A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.Ìý

Program options

Courses in the Russian Studies Department are open to students either:

  • as electives in any degree program

  • as constituents of a major or honours degree in Russian; orÌý

  • with courses in another discipline forming part of a combined honours degree or double major; or

  • as a minor


Major or honours students may, with the approval of the Russian Studies Department, take up to one semester (15 credit hours) of work at a university in Russia and receive credit at ±«Óãtv. Qualified students are urged to participate in the Intensive Russian Program, founded by ±«Óãtv, which enables Canadian students to study for a semester at St. Petersburg State University.


The following Russian Studies program options are offered by ±«Óãtv University’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  

  • Bachelor of Arts, Honours/Combined Honours in Russian Studies

  • Bachelor of Arts, Major/Double Major in Russian Studies

  • Minor in Russian Studies

What you will learn

When you take Russian Studies at ±«Óãtv, you'll get a thorough grasp of Russian grammar and a practical competence in speaking, reading, and writing. Courses in culture and civilization introduce you to the art, architecture, music, and religious faiths of the Russian people. You'll also take literature courses, which are offered in both English and Russian.

Sample courses may include:

  • Elementary Russian

  • Modern Russian Culture and Civilization

  • Russian Culture and Civilization under the Tsars

  • Witches and Devils: Russian Fairy Tales

  • Soviet Russia

  • Tolstoy

  • Advanced Russian

  • Intermediate Translation

  • Chekhov and Turgenev

  • Advanced Conversation and Phonetics

  • Artistic Petersburg

  • Russian Poetry

The Russian Studies program is a tight knit, supportive community of faculty and students. We get together regularly throughout the school year, with a wide range of events and opportunities to speak, watch, listen, and interact with Russian language and culture.

Careers

For those interested in international business, knowledge of the Russian language is an enormous asset. Russia is an important and fast-growing trade partner with Canada. This partnership involves national and multinational oil, gas, mining, and financial services companies, as well as governmental agencies and media organizations need Canadians with Russian language skills.

Graduate studies programs require fluency in Russian. Advanced students who spend one or more semesters in Russia through our intensive language program at the Saint Petersburg State University are best prepared to apply for graduate programs at the master's or doctorate level in Russian Studies.