Russian and Eurasian studies majors study the Russian language, spoken worldwide by some 250 million people, while also acquiring a foundational knowledge of the history, culture, literature, politics, sociology, economics, and geography of the region. This degree program is flexible, enabling students to focus their interests in one of three concentrations: Russia studies, Russian language and culture, and Eurasia studies. Russian and Eurasian studies prepares students for a wide range of career options in the private sector, government, and education. All students have opportunities for research, global-engagement, public service, and career preparation.
Policies
Students pursuing this degree must complete 33 credits in one of the concentrations available with a minimum GPA of 2.00.
For policies governing all undergraduate degrees, see AP.5 Undergraduate Policies.
Degree Requirements
Total credits: minimum 120
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Students pursuing this degree complete the requirements for one of the available concentrations.
Concentrations in the Major
Available Concentrations
- Concentration in Eurasia Studies (EURS)
- Concentration in Russia Studies (RUSS)
- Concentration in Russian Language and Culture (RULC)
Concentration in Eurasia Studies (EURS)
The Eurasia studies concentration is designed to provide students with interdisciplinary training in the study of Eurasia, with special focus on Central Asia and secondarily on Russia/the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Students will develop a high degree of competence in the history, politics, and culture of Eurasia and a basic competence in a relevant language.
Russian or Other Eurasian-Related Language
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses of Russian or other Eurasian-related language | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Courses used to meet this requirement may be in the same language that is used to meet the college language requirement, in which case the student needs to complete 6 credits beyond intermediate proficiency (beyond courses numbered 210 at Mason). With the approval of the director, courses used to meet this requirement may be in a Eurasian-related language that was not used to meet the college language requirement at a level approved by the director.
Social Science Courses at the 300- and 400-Level
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two social science courses at the 300- and 400-level | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Courses used to fulfill this requirement must focus primarily on Central Asia and Eurasia and may be in any social science discipline (ANTH, ECON, GGS, GOVT, SOCI).
History Courses at the 300- and 400-Level
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two history courses at the 300- and 400-level | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Courses used to fulfill this requirement must focus primarily on Central Asia and Eurasia.
Literature or Film Courses at the 300- and 400-Level
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two literature or film courses at the 300- and 400-level | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Courses used to fulfill this requirement must be related to Eurasia.
Courses at the 300- and 400-Level
Students choose from courses that focus predominantly on Eurasia. The courses used to meet this requirement may be in any field of study including special topics courses and other courses that deal primarily with the geographic areas covered in the Russian and Eurasian studies major. To use a special topics course or other course with variable content to meet this requirement, students should seek the advanced written approval of the director. (Special topics courses may be repeated for credit when the topic is different.) The following courses when the topic is relevant, among others, may be used to meet this requirement.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select three courses at the 300- and 400-level from the following: | 9 | |
| Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | ||
| Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in European History | ||
| Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core) | ||
| RS: Senior Seminar in History (Mason Core) | ||
| Politics of Eurasia | ||
| Central Asian Politics | ||
| Islam and Politics | ||
| Issues in International Studies | ||
| Revolution and International Politics | ||
| Topics in (Post) Soviet Film | ||
| Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia | ||
| Economies in Transition (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Concentration in Russia Studies (RUSS)
The Russia studies concentration is designed to provide students with in-depth interdisciplinary training in Russia and the Soviet Union. Students will develop a high degree of competence in Russian history, politics, society, and culture as well as a basic competence in the Russian language and the broader Eurasian context.
Required Language Courses
Other relevant advanced language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director. Majors are encouraged to take additional advanced Russian language courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RUSS 202 | Intermediate Russian II | 3 |
| RUSS 380 | Advanced Russian I | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Russian or Soviet History
When the topic is relevant, HIST 300 Introduction to Historical Method (Mason Core), HIST 388 Topics in European History, or HIST 499 RS: Senior Seminar in History (Mason Core) may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Stalinism | ||
| The Soviet Union and Russia Since World War II | ||
| Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | ||
| Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Social Sciences Dealing Primarily with Russia
Any topically appropriate courses in any social science discipline (ANTH, ECON, GGS, GOVT, SOCI) may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Politics of Eurasia | ||
| Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia | ||
| Economies in Transition (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Russian Literature or Culture
Other relevant courses may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Readings in Russian Literature | ||
| Contemporary Russian Short Fiction | ||
| Major Russian Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| 19th-Century Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | ||
| 20th-Century Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | ||
| Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | ||
| Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core) | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Courses at the 300 and 400 Level
Students choose from courses that focus predominantly on Eastern Europe, Russia, or Central Asia. Courses used to meet this requirement may be in any field of study including special topics courses and other courses that deal primarily with the geographic areas covered in the Russian and Eurasian studies major. To use a special topics course or other course with variable content to meet this requirement, students should seek the advanced written approval of the director. (Special topics courses may be repeated for credit when the topic is different.) Examples of courses that may meet this requirement:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Russian Conversation and Composition | ||
| Russian Advanced Conversation | ||
| Readings in Russian Literature | ||
| Contemporary Russian Short Fiction | ||
| Major Russian Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| 19th-Century Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | ||
| 20th-Century Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | ||
| Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | ||
| Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core) | ||
| Advanced Russian II | ||
| Readings in the Social Sciences | ||
| Russian Drama and Theater | ||
| Russian Poetry | ||
| Topics in (Post) Soviet Film | ||
| Fourth-Year Russian | ||
| Fourth-Year Russian | ||
| Introduction to Historical Method (Mason Core) | ||
| Nationalism in Eastern Europe | ||
| Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | ||
| Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in European History | ||
| RS: Senior Seminar in History (Mason Core) | ||
| Dramatic Literature Seminar | ||
| Economies in Transition (Mason Core) | ||
| Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia | ||
| Politics of Eurasia | ||
| Central Asian Politics | ||
| Issues in International Studies | ||
| Revolution and International Politics | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Concentration in Russian Language and Culture (RULC)
Students in the Russian language and culture concentration develop a high degree of competence in Russian language and culture and a basic familiarity with Russian and Eurasian history and politics.
Required Courses in Advanced Russian
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RUSS 380 | Advanced Russian I | 3 |
| RUSS 381 | Advanced Russian II | 3 |
| RUSS 480 | Fourth-Year Russian | 3 |
| or RUSS 481 | Fourth-Year Russian | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Russian Culture or History
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RUSS 353 | Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or HIST 328 | Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | |
| RUSS 354 | Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core) | 3 |
| or HIST 329 | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Russian Literature or Cinema in Translation
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Major Russian Writers (Mason Core) | ||
| 19th-Century Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | ||
| 20th-Century Literature in Translation (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in (Post) Soviet Film | ||
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Courses Taught in Russian
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Russian Conversation and Composition | ||
| Russian Advanced Conversation | ||
| Readings in Russian Literature | ||
| Contemporary Russian Short Fiction | ||
| Readings in the Social Sciences | ||
| Russian Poetry | ||
| Fourth-Year Russian | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Social Sciences
Students choose from courses dealing with Russia. Any other topically appropriate course in a social science discipline (ANTH, ECON, GGS, GOVT, SOCI) may be used to fulfill this requirement with the prior written approval of the director.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Politics of Eurasia | ||
| Economies in Transition (Mason Core) | ||
| Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia | ||
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Writing-Intensive Requirement
The university requires all students to complete at least one course designated "writing intensive" in their majors at the 300 level or above. Students majoring in Russian and Eurasian studies may fulfill this requirement by successfully completing RUSS 302 Russian Conversation and Composition, RUSS 325 Major Russian Writers (Mason Core), or RUSS 407 Russian Drama and Theater.
Upper Level Requirement
Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must apply at least 45 credits of upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above) toward graduation requirements.
Additional Electives
Any remaining credits may be completed with elective courses to bring the degree total to 120.
College Level Requirements for the BA Degree
In addition to the Mason Core program, students pursuing a BA degree must complete the coursework below. Except where expressly prohibited, a course used to fulfill a college level requirement may also be used simultaneously to satisfy other requirements (Mason Core requirements or requirements for the major).
Philosophy or Religious Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3 | |
PHIL 1 | ||
- 1
Note that the following courses may not be used to fulfill this requirement:
- PHIL 323 Classical Western Political Theory
- PHIL 324 Modern Western Political Theory
- PHIL 327 Contemporary Western Political Theory
- PHIL 393 Humanities College to Career
- PHIL 460 Senior Seminar in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
Additionally, PHIL 253, RELI 235, RELI 333, and RELI 339 cannot be used to fulfill both the philosophy/religious studies requirement and the Mason Core literature requirement.
Social and Behavioral Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits of social and behavioral sciences from the following (additional to the Mason Core social and behavioral sciences requirement) 1 | 3 | |
| ANTH | ||
| CRIM | ||
| ECON | ||
| GOVT | ||
| HIST 2 | ||
| LING | ||
| PSYC | ||
| SOCI | ||
| Or choose from the following GGS courses: | ||
| Major World Regions (Mason Core) | ||
| Human Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Geoinformation Technologies | ||
| Political Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Geography of Resource Conservation (Mason Core) | ||
| Population Geography (Mason Core) | ||
| Economic Geography | ||
| Urban Geography | ||
| Geography of the United States | ||
| Geography of Latin America | ||
| Geography of Europe | ||
| Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | ||
| Geography of Eastern Europe and Russia | ||
| Urban Planning | ||
| Geography of Virginia | ||
- 1
The two courses used to fulfill the combined college and Mason Core requirements must be from different disciplines in the social and behavioral sciences.
- 2
HIST 100 and HIST 125 may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Foreign Language
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate-level proficiency in one foreign language, fulfilled by: 1 | ||
Or achieving a satisfactory score on an approved proficiency test | ||
Or completing the following ASL three course sequence: | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) I | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) II | ||
| American Sign Language (ASL) III | ||
- 1
Students who are already proficient in a second language may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement. Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
Non-Western Culture
Select 3 credits of an approved course in the study of a non-Western culture (additional to the Mason Core requirement in global understanding)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits (additional to Mason Core Global Understanding requirement) 1 | ||
| ANTH 114 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 300 | Civilizations | 3 |
| ANTH 302 | Peoples and Cultures of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 307 | Ancient Mesoamerica (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 308 | Peoples and Cultures of the Middle East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 309 | Peoples and Cultures of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 313 | Myth, Magic, and Mind (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 314 | Zombies | 3 |
| ANTH 317 | East Asian Cultures | 3 |
| ANTH 330 | Peoples and Cultures of Selected Regions: Non-Western | 3 |
| ANTH 332 | Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Globalization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ANTH 381 | Medical Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH 396 | Issues in Anthropology: Social Sciences (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARAB 360 | Topics in Arabic Cultural Production | 3 |
| ARAB 365 | Black and Minority Cultures in Arabic Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARAB 420 | Survey of Arabic Literature | 3 |
| ARAB 440 | Topics in Arabic Religious Thought and Texts (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 203 | Survey of Asian Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 204 | Survey of Latin American Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 206 | Survey of African Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 317 | The Black Pharaohs: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Nubia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 318 | Art and Archaeology of Ancient Egypt | 3 |
| ARTH 319 | Art and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 320 | Art of the Islamic World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 382 | Arts of India (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 383 | Arts of Southeast Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 384 | Arts of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 385 | Arts of Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ARTH 482 | RS: Advanced Studies in Asian Art (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 318 | Introduction to Classical Chinese (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 320 | Contemporary Chinese Film | 3 |
| CHIN 325 | Major Chinese Writers (Mason Core) | 3 |
| CHIN 470 | Special Topics in Chinese Studies | 3 |
| DANC 118 | Global Dance Perspectives I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 361 | Economic Development of Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| ECON 362 | African Economic Development (Mason Core) | 3 |
| FREN 454 | Topics in Caribbean Francophone Literature and Culture | 3 |
| GGS 101 | Major World Regions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 316 | Geography of Latin America | 3 |
| GGS 317 | Geography of China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GGS 325 | Geography of North Africa and the Middle East | 3 |
| GGS 399 | Select Topics in GGS | 3 |
| GOVT 332 | Politics of the Middle East and North Africa | 3 |
| GOVT 333 | Politics of East Asia | 3 |
| GOVT 338 | Politics of Eurasia | 3 |
| GOVT 340 | Central Asian Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 341 | Chinese Foreign Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 345 | Islam and Politics | 3 |
| GOVT 433 | Political Economy of East Asia | 3 |
| HIST 251 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 252 | Survey of East Asian History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 261 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 262 | Survey of African History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 271 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 272 | Survey of Latin American History (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 281 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 282 | Survey of Middle Eastern Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 326 | Stalinism | 3 |
| HIST 327 | The Soviet Union and Russia Since World War II | 3 |
| HIST 328 | Rise of Russia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 329 | Modern Russia and the Soviet Union (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 353 | History of Traditional China | 3 |
| HIST 354 | Modern China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 356 | Modern Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 357 | Postwar Japan (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 358 | Post-1949 China (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 360 | History of South Africa (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 364 | Revolution in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 365 | Conquest and Colonization in Latin America (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 366 | Comparative Slavery | 3 |
| HIST 377 | The Vietnam War (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 387 | Topics in Global History (Mason Core) | 3-6 |
| HIST 461 | Arab-Israeli Conflict | 3 |
| HIST 462 | Women in Islamic Society (Mason Core) | 3 |
| HIST 465 | The Middle East in the 20th Century | 3 |
| JAPA 310 | Japanese Culture in a Global World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| JAPA 340 | Topics in Japanese Literature (Mason Core) | 3 |
| JAPA 380 | Japan in Motion | 3 |
| KORE 300 | Korean Culture and Society | 3 |
| KORE 320 | Korean Popular Culture in a Global World | 3 |
| KORE 385 | Introduction to Korean Linguistics | 3 |
| MUSI 103 | Musics of the World (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 211 | Introduction to Religions of the "West" (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 212 | Introduction to Religions of Asia (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 312 | Islam (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 313 | Hinduism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 314 | Chinese Philosophies and Religious Traditions | 3 |
| RELI 315 | Buddhism (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 317 | Daoism | 3 |
| RELI 318 | Korean Philosophy and Religions | 3 |
| RELI 338 | Qur'an and Hadith | 3 |
| RELI 342 | Comparative Study of Mysticism | 3 |
| RELI 344 | Muhammad: Life and Legacy | 3 |
| RELI 358 | Islamic Thought (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 367 | Islamic Law, Society, and Ethics | 3 |
| RELI 368 | Islam, Democracy, and Human Rights (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 384 | Global History of Christianity (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RELI 490 | Comparative Study of Religions (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 353 | Russian Civilization (Mason Core) | 3 |
| RUSS 354 | Contemporary Post-Soviet Life (Mason Core) | 3 |
| WMST 407 | Transnational Sexualities | 3 |
- 1
A course used to fulfill the Mason Core global understanding requirement may not be simultaneously used to satisfy this college-level requirement. A course used to fulfill this requirement may be used simultaneously to fulfill any other requirements (Mason Core requirements, college-level requirements, or requirements for the major). Additional information on waivers can be found at the Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.
Mason Core
Some Mason Core requirements may already be fulfilled by the major requirements listed above. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their advisors to ensure they fulfill all remaining Mason Core requirements.
Students who have completed the following credentials are eligible for a waiver of the Foundation and Exploration (lower level) requirement categories. The Integration category (upper level) is not waived under this policy. See Admissions for more information.
- VCCS Uniform Certificate of General Studies
- VCCS or Richard Bland Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Arts and Sciences (A.A.&S.), or Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (lower-level) | 3 | |
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology and Computing | 3 | |
| Exploration Requirements | ||
| Arts | 3 | |
| Global Contexts | 3 | |
| Global History | 3 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Science | 7 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Just Societies (optional) 1 | ||
| Integration Requirements | ||
| Written Communication (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive 2 | 3 | |
| Mason Apex 3 | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
- 1
In addition to covering content related to the designated category, Exploration level courses marked with a Just Societies "flag" are specifically designed to help students learn how to interact effectively with others from all walks of life, including those with backgrounds and beliefs that differ from their own. Courses marked with the Just Societies flag are available for students starting in Fall 2024. Students admitted prior to the Fall of 2025 are not required to take courses with a Just Societies flag but may wish to do so to increase their knowledge and skills in this important area. Students interested in this approach to completing their Mason Core Exploration Requirements should work closely wiht their advisor to identify the appropriate Just Societies-flagged courses.
- 2
Most programs include the writing-intensive course designated for the major as part of the major requirements; this course is therefore not counted towards the total required for Mason Core.
- 3
Minimum 3 credits required.
Bachelor of Arts in Russian and Eurasian Studies Sample Plan of Study
A sample four year graduation plan and degree planning worksheet can be found at https://academicaffairs.chss.gmu.edu/undergraduate-students/advising/advising-sheets. The plan is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor each semester and with their PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate a general knowledge of area studies approaches to understanding the Russia/Eurasia region. This knowledge will include but is not limited to: literature and culture, history, and social sciences approaches to study of the region.
- Write logically, clearly, concisely, and correctly in English in a variety of area studies fields related to the Russia/Eurasia region.
- Analyze critically a variety of written, visual, and performance media related to the Russia/Eurasia region including but not limited to: primary and secondary historical sources, literature, visual arts, film, social science source material, etc.
- Demonstrate oral language mastery at a minimum Level 2 (Intermediate Low) or in the Russian Language and Culture concentration a minimum level of 2+ (Intermediate High) on the proficiency scale developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) in speaking Russian or another Eurasia-related language.
- Demonstrate reading language mastery at a minimum Level 2 (Intermediate Low) or in the Russian Language and Culture concentration a minimum level of 2+ (Intermediate High) on the proficiency scale developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) in reading Russian or another Eurasia-related language, a level sufficient to make use of original language materials (journals, newspapers, and so forth) for acquiring information and general research purposes.
- Demonstrate written language mastery at a minimum Level 2 (Intermediate Low) or in the Russian Language and Culture concentration a minimum level of 2+ (Intermediate High) on the proficiency scale developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) in writing Russian or another Eurasia-related language.