UT Austin Exam in Russian

Results of the UT Austin exam for credit in Russian serve as the basis for proper placement in the Russian language program. These results also serve as a basis for receiving credit for and exemption for up to four courses: RUS 506, 507 (first year) and RUS 412K, 412L (second year).

The test is divided into three sections: Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading, and Listening. In the Grammar and Vocabulary section, you are given a variety of situations to complete with items from a multiple-choice selection. You are to choose the item that makes the most sense grammatically and lexically in each case. In the Reading section, you are given a variety of authentic printed texts in Russian, ranging from advertisements and bulletin board notices to course schedules and job announcements. Your comprehension of these and longer texts will be checked with multiple-choice questions. In the Listening section, you will hear, by means of a tape recording, a variety of spoken materials in Russian, including short conversations and informational texts. Both male and female voices will be heard at normal speaking tempo. Comprehension of these passages will be checked with multiple-choice questions.

The test questions in all three parts of the UT Austin Exam in Russian are based on information that is actually given in or readily inferred from the questions themselves or from the listening passages and reading texts. Knowledge of specific subject matter is not tested, and there are no questions that bear on literary knowledge, literary analysis, or linguistic terminology.

Where and When to Take the Test

The UT Exam in Russian is given only on the UT Austin campus:

• just before the beginning of fall semester
• just before the beginning of spring semester
• just before the beginning of the first summer session

Visit the Test Registration System to view and register for upcoming test dates.

Students for Whom the Test is Recommended or Appropriate

Students who have prior knowledge of Russian (regardless of how it was acquired) must take the UT Austin Test for Credit in Russian before they can enroll in their first UT Austin Russian course.

Students transferring college credit in Russian must also take the UT Austin Test for Credit in Russian before enrolling for the first time in a course in Russian at UT Austin.

Students who do not intend to enroll in a Russian course but who wish to attempt to earn credit by examination may also take the test.

UT Austin Exam for Credit in Upper-Level Russian

On the basis of the UT Austin Exam in Upper-Level Russian and a personal interview, credit can be earned in one or both of the following courses: RUS 324 and 325. You must obtain permission from the instructor of the course for which you are seeking credit in order to take the test, which is offered by individual appointment.

Test Registration: The total test fee for the UT Austin Test for Credit in Upper-Division Russian is $85. You will receive a Department Administered Examination form from Student Testing Services which should be taken to the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies.

Description of the UT Austin Test for Credit in Upper-Division Russian

The test, which is prepared by faculty members in the Department of Slavic and Eurasian Studies, consists of the following:

• In the case of conversation courses, an interview with the instructor;
• In the case of advanced Russian courses, RUS 324 and RUS 325, an interview with the instructor and a written examination to be set by the instructor, which shall ordinarily include translation into Russian and Russian composition.

Registration Fee: 

The total of the fees for the test is $85. When you register for a test, you will immediately be billed for the non-refundable test registration fee of $25. After you take the test, you will be billed for the test fee of $60. Payments are due within 14 days of the billing date. All fees are subject to change.

Course Description: 

RUS 506 and 507 introduce the fundamentals of grammar, basic vocabulary, and conversation skills. While grammatical forms are given careful attention, particular emphasis is placed on the proper use of language in context. Russian is used as much as possible in class.

RUS 412K and 412L assume knowledge of the basic case forms and of verbal categories such as tense and aspect plus a foundation in vocabulary. Contexts for usage of the basic forms are greatly expanded and response made more automatic in RUS 412K, which incorporates a systematic review. Final topics in grammar are added in RUS 412L, including participles, gerunds, and conditional sentences. RUS 412K and 412L are four-skills courses where speaking, listening, reading, and writing are all developed. Increasing emphasis is on non-textbook readings, translation, and composition instead of drill. Class is conducted primarily in Russian, with an oral component included in examinations.

RUS 324 and 325 are advanced language courses conducted in Russian. Emphasis is on reading and composition, using a variety of literary and non-literary texts as a basis. Work in grammar is oriented to the structure of complex sentences and to Russian word formation. Proficiency in speaking is developed through class recitation and oral reports.

Test Results and Retakes: 

Results are available within a few days after the test date, in time to register for classes.

You may take the UT Austin Exam in Russian only once.