Russian and East European Studies

College: Social Sciences and Public Policy
Degree: BA or BS
Specialized Admission: No

Description of Major

*Please Note: Face-to-face/in-person instruction of this program is available ONLY at the main campus in Tallahassee, FL. This program is NOT available via Online/Distance Learning.*

The undergraduate program in Russian and East European Studies is designed for: 1) general education students who wish to learn more about the language, history, culture and the contemporary political and economic setting of a particular country or cultural region within the area of Russia and Eastern Europe: 2) students who wish to pursue graduate work in this field; and 3) students who seek employment in or relating to Russia and Eastern Europe.

Instead of specializing in one academic discipline, Russian and East European majors become acquainted with different disciplines and apply themselves to one area. As this program is interdepartmental in nature, students take courses in anthropology, art, economics, geography, history, humanities, philosophy, political science, religion, sociology and languages.

Prerequisite Coursework

Prerequisite Coursework: None
There is no prerequisite coursework for the major, but students are encouraged to take lower-level introductory courses in some of the related disciplines. Such courses serve as background for the major and may meet prerequisites for more advanced courses in the major. Students are encouraged to begin study in a relevant area language and to take any culture or history courses that relate to Russia and Eastern Europe.

Note: State-wide common prerequisites are always under review. For the most current information and for acceptable alternative courses, visit the “Common Prerequisites Manual.” This is available from the “Student Services” section of http://www.flvc.org .

Requirements for Progression to the Upper-Division Major
To be admitted, students complete at least 52 hours of credit with a minimum FSU GPA of 2.00 and most of the General Education requirements met, including freshman English composition and mathematics, or an A.A. Degree.

Requirements

Major Program of Studies at FSU: (36 hours major coursework)
In consultation with a program advisor, students majoring in Russian and East European Studies construct their programs of study around three components.

The three components are:
1) Area-Specific Courses: (24 hours)
Students select a minimum of 24 hours of coursework from the approved list of area specific courses.

2) Comparative Concepts and Theories Courses: (6 hours)
Students select a minimum of 6 hours from the approved list of concepts and theories courses. These should be selected in consultation with their advisor.

3) Additional Russian and East European Studies Courses: (6 hours)
Students select 6 additional hours of courses, in consultation with their advisor, from the approved “Area Specific” and “Comparative Concepts and Theories” lists.

(The approved lists may be found at http://www.coss.fsu.edu/russia/content/approved-course-list .)

Foreign language requirement: (0-12 hours)
All students are required show proficiency or complete coursework through the intermediate level in a relevant area language (Russian, German, Czech, Serbo-Croatian or other approved East European language). Students are encouraged to bring their chosen language up to an effective level of proficiency in both reading and speaking by either taking additional coursework on the Florida State campus or by participating in a semester or summer abroad program that is administered by, affiliated with, or approved by Florida State in their relevant cultural area as such programs become available. To encourage language proficiency, language coursework taken beyond the 12-hour minimum intermediate level may be counted towards the required 36 hours for the major.

Digital Literacy: (3 hours)
CGS 2060 (3), CGS 2100 (3) or other University-approved course will meet the requirement for this major.

Oral Communication Competency: (3 hours)
Students must demonstrate the ability to orally transmit ideas and information clearly. This requirement may be met with an approved college-level course.

Minimum Program Requirements - Summary
Total Hrs. Required 120
General Education 36*
Major Coursework 36*
Foreign Language 0-12 (depending on placement)
Minor Coursework 0
Digital Literacy 3
Oral Competency 3
Electives to bring total hours to 120

*Courses/hours taken to meet General Education or AA degree requirements may not also be used to fulfill the 36 hours of major coursework required in Russian and East European Studies.

Mapping

Mapping is FSU’s academic advising and monitoring system. Academic progress is monitored each Fall and Spring semester to ensure that students are on course to earn their degree in a timely fashion. Transfer students must meet mapping guidelines to be accepted into their majors. You may view the map for this major at www.academic-guide.fsu.edu/.

Remarks

1. A minimum of 45 hours at the 3000 level or above, 30 of which must be taken at this University.
2. Half of the major course semester hours must be completed in residence at this University.
3. The final 30 hours must be completed in residence at this University.
4. Students who plan to earn the B. A. degree must complete a foreign language through the intermediate (2200 or equivalent) level and nine additional hours in the fields of history and humanities.

Employment Information

Salary Information: For more information go to: National Association of Colleges and Employers (www.naceweb.org) or the Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm) provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Representative Job Titles Related to this Major: Foreign Service Specialist, Intelligence Specialist, Teacher, Journalist, Import/Export Trade Specialist. Graduates of the Russian and East European Studies program are prepared for work similar to those in the broad field of International Affairs, but obviously in a specialized area. Government, Teaching, and Business are the primary employers.

Representative Employers: U. S. Government (including the State Department, Defense Department, Defense Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, International Communications Agency), Multinational Corporations, Educational Institutions, Nonprofit Organizations.