Russian Studies (BA)
Delve into the language, culture, and history of Russia.
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:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie 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.
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; or
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 Dalhousie. Qualified students are urged to participate in the Intensive Russian Program, founded by Dalhousie, which enables Canadian students to study for a semester at St. Petersburg State University.
The following Russian Studies program options are offered by Dalhousie 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 Dalhousie, 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.
