The REEES major and minor are inherently interdisciplinary and pair well with a number of other majors and minors at the UO. Popular second majors and minors for our students include comparative literature, history, international studies, journalism, linguistics, and political science, but the possibilities are endless.

The REEES minor allows for a great deal of flexibility. Students can pursue a concentration in either Russian Language, Literature, and Culture (Humanities) or Russian and East European History, Politics, and Society (Social Sciences).

At the core of the program is the study of the Russian language (available through the fifth year). By the end of their studies in REEES, students will have developed:

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Russian consistent with completion of at least a third-year level.
• A broad general understanding of the region of Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia, including its history and culture.
• More specialized competency in the field of concentration consistent with the disciplinary expectations of that field.

The major requires 36 graded credits passed with a grade of C- or better along with the language requirement. 

Language Requirements

Students must complete three years of one Slavic language. Credits used to fulfill the language requirement may not be applied to the 36-credit requirement. Students typically study Russian, but may petition to substitute one year of another Slavic language.

Heritage speakers or those who have previously studied Russian may meet the language requirement for graduation in various ways, including testing. Read more about pathways to show proficiency.

Course Requirements

Students in the program need to complete 36 credits, in addition to the courses taken for the language requirement. At least 20 of the credits should be in their field of concentration and 16 should be elective courses. 

Field of Concentration Credits: Students must complete 20 credits for the concentration, at least 16 of which should be upper-division and at least eight 400 level.

Elective Credits: Students must complete 16 credits in REEES electives. At least eight credits should be outside the field of concentration.

Transfer students can apply 16 credits, or four 4-credit courses, from outside institutions to the major. No more than eight credits may be counted toward the field of concentration.