About

Hunter College is a major center of Russian and Slavic studies in the City University of New York. It has by far the largest and most viable undergraduate program in Russian language and literature in CUNY, while also providing instruction in Polish language, literature and culture. In addition, other departments of the Divisions of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Arts also offer courses dealing with Russia and East Central Europe, which enhances our students’ knowledge of all things Russian.

We have by far the highest enrollment in Slavic within CUNY and the largest and richest curriculum in both language and literature. As a result we serve many students from our sister colleges: Baruch, CCNY, Brooklyn, Queens and Lehman.

The Division of Russian and Slavic Languages of the Department of Classical and Oriental Studies offers a rich curriculum designed for students who seek competence in spoken and written Russian or Polish as well as translation, and a solid background in and knowledge of Russian and Polish literature and culture. The important contributions being made by Russian scholars in chemistry, biology, mathematics, and other related fields make the study of Russian especially valuable to science majors.

The mission of the Division of Russian and Slavic Studies is to:

• Facilitate the acquisition and improvement of Russian language skills in all areas of competency: speaking, reading, writing and aural comprehension, including an understanding of the structure and history of the Russian language.
• Maintain commitment to the use of Russian as the language of instruction in core subjects.
• Develop in students an appreciation of the highest attainments of Russian culture, particularly Russian literature.
• Encourage independent learning and critical thinking.
• Help students develop strategies and techniques that will enable them to become lifelong learners.

Students can select from four different major concentrations in Russian, a minor, a program that provides opportunities for students to prepare for a career in teaching Russian in grades 7-12, and a Polish program at Hunter. Courses in the division are also recommended to students from other disciplines who want to master the Russian language as a research tool or who seek to learn about Russian literature in translation.

• Undergraduate Programs
• Graduate Program
• Courses