The Russian and East European Studies (REES) curriculum is multidisciplinary, incorporating offerings in history, politics and sociology with Russian language, literature, and culture courses, in both the original and in translation. A major in Russian and East European Studies can lead to graduate work in any of the above-mentioned fields. In recent years Oberlin REES majors have successfully competed for entrance into graduate schools and have found careers in teaching, library science, government work, medicine, law, journalism, international business, as well as in charitable or non-profit organizations.
Incoming students with previous training in Russian should take the Placement Test to determine the level at which they should continue. Students beginning at Oberlin can enroll in Russian 101 during the fall semester or take the Winter Term Intensive Beginning Russian course. Participation in a study abroad program is highly recommended, as is residency in Russian House.
Entry-Level Course Sequence Suggestions
New students considering a major or minor should include an introductory course in Russian history, politics, sociology, literature or culture in their first semester. Students are also strongly encouraged to begin Russian language study in their first year. At the time of declaration of the major, students and their advisors will discuss an appropriate area of focus for the major.
Honors
We encourage qualified Russian majors to consider participating in the departmental Honors Program. Criteria for admission normally include the following: overall GPA of at least 3.25; major GPA of at least 3.50 by the beginning of the sixth semester; completion of Russian 305 or 306 and at least one literature course in translation by the end of the sixth semester.
Russian and East European Studies Major Course Lists
Please consult individual departmental listings for full course description and availability. Not all of these courses are offered every year.
Other courses besides those listed below that address the region in a substantive way (including courses taken on accredited programs abroad) may also count toward the major, upon approval by the REES Committee or REES Chair.
View entry-level course sequence suggestions.