Courses
Russian Language Study (4 or 6 credits as chosen by students)
Students, placed in a course of study that corresponds to their level of proficiency, may choose either the four-credit or six-credit option. Students participating in the six-credit language option have approximately 120 hours of in-class instruction; those in the four-credit program, approximately 80 hours. Students in the four-credit course are also required to take the seminar, Russian Business and International Relations. 

While the primary focus is on conversational Russian, other goals include enabling students to be comfortable with basic reading and writing skills. The course includes times of total immersion in the language and aims to equip students to converse in Russian both in and out of the classroom. Contacts with Russian students and living with Russian host families further facilitates language acquisition.

The initial requirement is familiarity with the Cyrillic alphabet upon arrival in Russia (through study materials provided in advance). For students with previous Russian language capability, small group instruction builds on their current knowledge. Students advanced in Russian are placed in a program which makes use of regular university lectures, written assignments and tutorials with their language instructors.
 Russian Language--syllabus

International Relations and Business (2 credits)
This class, meeting for about 10 sessions, explores issues related to the developing world of business in Russia. Cultural differences, economic potential, ethics and government policy are examined in the laboratory of Nizhni Novgorod, a city widely recognized as a leader in Russian economic reform.
   International Relations & Business--syllabus 

History and Sociology of Religion (3 credits)
This seminar delves into the history of religion in Russia dating from the beginnings of Christianity in the 10th century to the present day, with emphasis on Orthodoxy and Protestantism, including study of the persecution during the Soviet era and the flourishing of religious activity in post-Soviet years. The course also looks at current government regulations from various points of view. Included are visits to numerous churches and cathedrals in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Nizhni Novgorod and guest lecturers giving Russian Orthodox, Protestant and other religious perspectives. 
[Possible credit: biblical studies, comparative religion, history, sociology]
   History & Sociology of Religion--syllabus

Russian Peoples, Culture and Literature (4 credits)
RSP participants are introduced to Russian history and culture using the rich resources of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Nizhni Novgorod. Students continue the study of Russian people and culture throughout history using well-known works of Russian literature to examine changes in Russia and their impact on her citizens from ancient times, through the czarist and Soviet eras, and in Russia today. Students read works by Pushkin, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Gorky and Bulgakov. This seminar also includes visits to appropriate sites, including homes of literary figures, museums and historic cities and villages. 
[Possible credit: literature, history, sociology, cross-cultural studies]
   Russian Peoples, Culture & Literature--syllabus

Russia in Transition (3 credits)
This seminar takes an in-depth look at Russia since 1991, as revolutions have encompassed political, economic, social and religious areas -- a phenomenon unique in world history. A compendium of background and current journal, magazine and newspaper articles is used, as well as knowledgeable guest lecturers and public policy representatives. Students are introduced to the complexities of transition from a centrally-planned economy to a free market  system and establishment of democratic institutions. They discuss the changes and their impact on Russia's economy, political institutions and the life of the Russian people. The seminar includes service projects in selected educational institutions, orphanages, business and other organizations in Nizhni Novgorod, as well as travel throughout western Russia.
[Possible credit: political science, business, cross-cultural studies, sociology, history]
   Russia in Transition--syllabus