.png&w=1920&q=75)
M-A in Russian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Delhi, Delhi
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Russian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University Delhi?
This Russian Studies program at Jawaharlal Nehru University focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of Russian language, literature, history, culture, politics, and economy. It is designed to develop advanced linguistic proficiency alongside deep cultural and geopolitical insights relevant to India''''s strategic partnership with Russia. The program distinguishes itself through its interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on contemporary relevance in the Indian context.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for graduates from any discipline seeking to specialize in Russian affairs, particularly those with a foundational knowledge of Russian language. It caters to individuals aspiring for careers in diplomacy, international relations, journalism, translation, and academia. Students with a strong interest in global politics, cultural exchange, and critical analysis of Russia''''s role on the world stage will thrive in this rigorous environment.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in the Ministry of External Affairs, intelligence agencies, think tanks, international NGOs, and corporate liaison offices dealing with Russia. Entry-level salaries might range from INR 4-7 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities also exist in higher education and specialized translation services, aligning with India''''s growing strategic and economic ties with Russia.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Practice Russian Daily- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently practice Russian language skills through reading, writing, speaking, and listening beyond classroom hours to build a strong linguistic base. Focus on mastering grammar and expanding vocabulary.
Tools & Resources
Russian language textbooks, online resources like Duolingo, Russian films/series, native speaker conversation partners
Career Connection
Essential for diplomatic roles, translation, and research that requires direct engagement with Russian sources.
Engage with Russian Culture- (Semester 1-2)
Actively explore Russian history, literature, and culture by reading classics, watching films, attending cultural events if available, and understanding socio-political contexts.
Tools & Resources
Works of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Pushkin, documentaries on Russian history, cultural exchange events organized by institutions like the Russian House in Delhi
Career Connection
Provides critical cultural intelligence for international relations, journalism, and academic research.
Develop Interdisciplinary Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Learn to integrate insights from history, literature, politics, and economics to form a holistic understanding of Russia. Focus on academic writing and critical analysis.
Tools & Resources
JNU Library resources, academic databases, workshops on research methodology and academic writing
Career Connection
Prepares for robust policy analysis, academic positions, and informed contributions in think tanks.
Intermediate Stage
Deepen Policy and Economic Analysis- (Semester 3)
Critically analyze Russia''''s foreign policy and economic shifts, understanding their implications for global and Indian contexts. Engage in debates and simulations.
Tools & Resources
International relations journals, economic reports on Russia, think tank publications like ORF, participation in model UN/BRICS
Career Connection
Highly valuable for roles in foreign service, intelligence analysis, and international trade organizations.
Master Advanced Translation Techniques- (Semester 3)
Hone specialized translation skills, particularly for diplomatic, economic, and literary texts. Practice simultaneous and consecutive interpreting if possible.
Tools & Resources
Advanced Russian-English dictionaries, specialized glossaries, translation software CAT tools if introduced, practical exercises with faculty
Career Connection
Directly prepares for high-demand roles as translators/interpreters in government, international organizations, and multinational corporations.
Network with Experts and Peers- (Semester 3)
Attend seminars, workshops, and guest lectures by prominent Indologists, diplomats, and scholars of Russian Studies. Engage with alumni and build professional connections.
Tools & Resources
Professional networking platforms, JNU alumni network, academic conferences, events organized by the Centre for Russian Studies
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, internships, and future job opportunities in a specialized field.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Independent Research/Project- (Semester 4)
Conduct a substantial research project or a dissertation on a contemporary issue related to Russian Studies, demonstrating in-depth knowledge and analytical prowess.
Tools & Resources
JNU faculty guidance, extensive library access, statistical analysis tools if applicable, academic writing guides
Career Connection
Showcases expertise to potential employers/PhD admissions committees, highlighting specialized knowledge and research capability.
Prepare for Career Placements/Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
Tailor CVs, practice interview skills, and explore specific job openings in relevant sectors or apply for PhD programs. Seek guidance from the career advisory cell.
Tools & Resources
JNU career services, LinkedIn, Naukri.com, government job portals, university admissions websites
Career Connection
Directly facilitates securing desired employment or admission into advanced academic programs.
Engage in Public Diplomacy & Outreach- (Semester 4)
Participate in public discussions, write opinion pieces, or present findings at student conferences to contribute to a broader understanding of Russian affairs in India.
Tools & Resources
Student journals, university-level debate clubs, social media for informed commentary, academic forums
Career Connection
Builds a public profile, enhances communication skills, and positions graduates as thought leaders in the field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree in any discipline under 10+2+3 pattern of education with 50% marks and adequate proficiency in Russian (e.g., advanced diploma/certificate in Russian or B1 level).
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 64 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR 401 | History of Russian Literature-I | Core | 4 | Ancient Russian Literature, Folk Tales and Bylinas, Old Russian Chronicles, 18th Century Russian Literature, Classicism and Sentimentalism, Early Russian Prose and Poetry |
| MR 403 | Grammar & Functional Russian-I | Core | 4 | Advanced Russian Grammar, Syntax of Complex Sentences, Functional Styles of Russian, Speech Etiquette and Pragmatics, Communicative Language Skills, Expressing Opinions and Argumentation |
| MR 405 | History of Russia-I | Core | 4 | Kievan Rus'''' and its Origins, Mongol Yoke and its Impact, Rise of Moscow and Centralization, Tsardom of Russia, Reforms of Peter the Great, Catherine the Great''''s Era and Enlightenment |
| MR 407 | Principles of Literary Translation & Translation Practice-I | Core | 4 | Theories of Literary Translation, Methods and Strategies of Translation, Concept of Equivalence in Translation, Pragmatic Aspects of Translation, Translation of Prose Texts, Challenges of Poetic Translation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR 402 | History of Russian Literature-II | Core | 4 | 19th Century Russian Realism, Golden Age of Russian Poetry (Pushkin, Lermontov), Rise of Russian Novel (Gogol, Turgenev), Works of Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, Silver Age Literature, Symbolism and Modernism |
| MR 404 | Grammar & Functional Russian-II | Core | 4 | Advanced Morpho-Syntax, Aspect of Verbs and Usage, Participles and Gerunds, Conversational Russian and Idioms, Scientific and Official Styles, Media and Publicistic Russian |
| MR 406 | History of Russia-II | Core | 4 | 19th Century Reforms and Social Change, Decembrist Movement and Radical Thought, Abolition of Serfdom, Rise of Revolutionary Movements, Russia and World War I, Russian Revolutions of 1917 |
| MR 408 | Principles of Literary Translation & Translation Practice-II | Core | 4 | Practice in Literary Translation, Translation of Specialized Texts, Technical and Scientific Translation, Socio-Political Texts Translation, Cultural Specifics in Translation, Introduction to Interpreting Skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR 501 | History of Russian Literature-III | Core | 4 | Early Soviet Literature, Socialist Realism Doctrine, Literature of World War II, Dissident Literature and Underground Prose, Post-Soviet Literary Trends, Contemporary Russian Authors and Genres |
| MR 503 | Russian Foreign Policy-I | Core | 4 | Evolution of Russian Foreign Policy, Soviet Foreign Policy during Cold War, Post-Soviet Russian Foreign Policy Doctrines, Relations with European Union, US-Russia Relations and Challenges, Geopolitical Strategies of Russia |
| MR 505 | Russian Economy-I | Core | 4 | Soviet Economic System and Central Planning, Perestroika and Economic Reforms, Transition to Market Economy, Privatization Processes, Macroeconomic Indicators in Post-Soviet Russia, Challenges of Economic Transformation |
| MR 507 | Russian Society and Culture-I | Core | 4 | Concepts of Russian Identity, Social Structure and Class Dynamics, Religious Traditions and Orthodoxy, Russian Arts and Architecture, Music, Ballet, and Performing Arts, Early Russian Cinema and Theatre |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MR 502 | Contemporary Russian Literature | Core | 4 | Literature after Glasnost, New Literary Trends and Movements, Genres in Modern Russian Literature, Key Authors of 21st Century Russia, Role of Media in Contemporary Literature, Literary Criticism and Postmodernism |
| MR 504 | Russian Foreign Policy-II | Core | 4 | Russia''''s Role in CIS and Post-Soviet Space, BRICS, SCO, and Multilateral Engagements, Energy Diplomacy and Geopolitics, India-Russia Strategic Relations, Russia and West Asia Dynamics, Current Challenges in Foreign Policy |
| MR 506 | Russian Economy-II | Core | 4 | Modern Russian Economy Structure, Energy Sector Dominance and Challenges, Diversification Efforts and Innovation, Investment Climate and Business Environment, International Trade Relations of Russia, Economic Challenges and Future Prospects |
| MR 508 | Russian Society and Culture-II | Core | 4 | Youth Culture and Social Trends, Family Structure and Gender Roles, Education System in Russia, Ethnic Minorities and Identity, Urban vs Rural Life Styles, Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power |
