Bachelor of Arts in Russian

at Queens College USA

Biology serves as a large umbrella for many kinds of scientists and professionals. Biologists conduct basic and applied experimental and clinical work in both the public and private sectors—in the field, in zoos and wildlife refuges, in laboratories, and in medical settings. Just a few of the areas in which they work are wildlife and field ecology, conservation and environmental restoration, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and forensics. Although students with a BA may find employment as laboratory technicians, wildlife monitors, and other entry-level positions, those who hope to pursue a research career should plan to go on to graduate school. For many, biology is the first step toward medical, dental, or veterinary school. Biologists also work in law- and policy-related fields concerning scientific issues or in areas like scientific and medical illustration and writing.

American Studies fosters an interdisciplinary view of the United States and its hemispheric neighbors. Students explore historical, social, and artistic dimensions of the American experience. The program encourages students to design an individualized course of study.

American Studies majors become experienced researchers, trained to think critically and to work from many perspectives using a variety of primary sources.

The study of literature is at the heart of a liberal arts education. Through literature, students learn to probe rhetoric, emotion, morality, point of view, and other questions that enrich both life and the arts. Coursework ranges from elementary rhetoric and composition to advanced electives in creative writing; historical surveys of poetry, drama, and fiction; major literary figures; courses in minority and ethnic literature; postcolonial literature; literary theory; and many other topics. English majors do much reading and writing, honing their critical, analytical, and communication skills.

Those skills help to make English a versatile major for students pursuing a variety of goals. Professional careers require the excellent writing ability that English majors develop as well as their ability to read and interpret texts with accuracy, sophistication, and judgment. Graduates often go on to become editors and writers in such fields as publishing, journalism, public relations, and advertising. They also excel in law, business, and government.

Classics involves the study of ancient Greek and Roman civilization and history, including the Greek and Latin languages. In courses on language, literature, art, philosophy, religion, and history, students learn about the pioneering thinkers, writers, leaders, and cultural innovators who shaped much of the Western intellectual and artistic legacy.

Research shows that classics majors consistently attain some of the highest GRE scores, outperform other undergraduate majors in law school, and are among the most successful majors admitted to medical school. In their close study of challenging languages, texts, philosophies, and other aspects of the ancient world, classics majors acquire superior skills in reading, writing, analytical thinking, and cultural understanding. These are essential to professional success in today’s highly educated workforce.

Classics serves as a gateway to numerous career paths. Many graduates go on to advanced study in classics, archaeology, or religion as well as professional schools in law and medicine. Other options include working in areas related to students’ training in classical language, history, and culture, including libraries, museums, publishing, the arts, and education.

Classics involves the study of ancient Greek and Roman civilization and history, including the Greek and Latin languages. In courses on language, literature, art, philosophy, religion, and history, students learn about the pioneering thinkers, writers, leaders, and cultural innovators who shaped much of the Western intellectual and artistic legacy.

Religious Studies involves the interdisciplinary investigation of religious concerns throughout history and around the world. Religions are studied as text, experience, practice, and theology. Coursework explores themes and questions in comparative religion; religion, literature, and the arts; religion and culture; and religion and philosophy.

The program draws on multiple disciplines, including anthropology, art, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and language and literature. Students are encouraged to study relevant ancient and medieval works in the original classical Chinese, classical Arabic, biblical Hebrew, and Latin.

A degree in religious studies is of interest to students planning to continue on for theological or ministerial training, religious research, or teaching. Its cross-cultural sensibilities, moral concerns, and linguistic expertise also are useful in such areas as development work, community advocacy, social care and counseling, public policy, journalism, and librarianship.

Physics is one of the most demanding majors offered at Queens College, and it attracts exceptional students. In small classes taught by distinguished faculty, students benefit from an adaptable curriculum of theory and applied science, including courses that teach experimental skills, mathematical physics, and the principles of both classical and modern physics, such as mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and special and general relativity. Electives explore connections between physics and other sciences, such as telecommunications and computer science. Students are encouraged to participate in the faculty’s internationally recognized experimental and theoretical research programs in optics, magnetic thin films, polymer surfaces, quantum dots and nanowires, multiple quantum wells, and photonic integration.

The Jewish Studies program is dedicated to unrestricted inquiry into all aspects of the Jewish experience. It hosts numerous public events concerning Jewish culture, film, arts, history, and religion, encouraging active outreach around current issues and, in the broadest sense, world affairs. Majors benefit from access to New York’s multicultural, multilingual Jewish community as well as the numerous museums, libraries, and cultural institutions in the metropolitan area.

The program has four main areas of study: Jewish social and intellectual history; the anthropology, sociology, political life, and folklore of Jews; Jewish religious and philosophical thought; and Jewish languages and literature. It can be tailored to a wide range of personal interests.

The Queens College Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography & Imaging will prepare students in their pursuit of careers or advanced degrees in fine art, applied photography and digital imaging. The curriculum incorporates the latest 2D and 3D technologies for capturing and outputting images. Students will be able to choose among a variety of courses in the practice of photography, including classes in traditional/analog and alternative processes, digital, 2D and 3D scanning and printing, theory, history and critical thinking.

Russian is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It also is important in diplomacy, science, business, finance, and sports, serving as an official language in such forums as the United Nations, International Atomic Energy Agency, the World Bank, the International Olympic Committee, and many other organizations. Russian also is the language of great arts, including literature, dance, music, and painting.

The Russian program has been part of the curriculum at Queens College for almost fifty years. It instructs students in reading and speaking the language, and introduces them to the arts and culture of the Russian-speaking world. It also offers courses in Belarusian, Polish, Serbo-Croatian, and Ukrainian language and literature, and sponsors a chapter of Dobro Slovo, the National Slavic Honor Society.