Many advanced students engage in independent study and research within the major. Those who pursue an independent project in Russian language or literature receive 400-level credit in Russian. Russian independent studies that involve other disciplines merit 400-level credit in Russian Studies. For the exceptional student, there is also an honors program requiring a thesis based upon original research. The Russian Studies major requires the completion of a total of at least 31 course credits, not including Russian language courses at the 100 and 200 level.
Most courses grant three credits.
The remaining 12 credits are chosen from other Russian Studies courses not used to satisfy the above requirements. Listed below are all of the courses offered at Washington and Lee that confer Russian Studies credit. All courses grant three credits unless otherwise indicated. All other courses are taught in one term. A few are offered only in alternating years.