The Russian Studies program offers a broad range of instruction that combines language training with courses (taught in English) that provide exposure to Russian literature and culture. Language instruction extends from the beginning through the advanced level. Instruction stresses the basic skills-comprehension, speaking, reading and writing-and aims primarily to develop practical competency in two semesters. For heritage speakers of Russian, the course sequence Russian for Russians makes it possible to gain basic reading and writing competency. Russia's literature and culture are introduced in a permanent sequence of lower- and upper-level courses.