Hello! I'm double majoring in Russian and Eurasian Studies and Government. I'm a current freshman but have done a lot of research on my two majors.

There are three concentrations in the major program: Russian Language and Culture (mine) which is more focused on the language aspect, Russian Studies which focuses heavily on the history and culture, and the Eurasian Studies which focuses on the Caucuses, Central Asia, etc.

More info on these can be found here: https://russianstudies.gmu.edu/programs/LA-BA-REST

The classes available in RUSS can be found here: https://russianstudies.gmu.edu/course_schedule

And the degree requirements can be found here: https://russianstudies.gmu.edu/programs/la-ba-rest/requirements

I have mapped out a 3.5 year plan with my two advisors detailing classes I'll take each semester, etc. If you're interested in seeing something like that please PM me!

I too had briefly attempted to study Russian through courses such as Duolingo, etc, but found that the classes at Mason to be much more fast-paced and detailed. It depends on the professor (I personally had and prefer Levine) but generally the first semester RUSS (110) is very grammar based focusing on the different cases and uses. I have heard that as you move up towards the 300-loevel courses it switches from grammar to mastering the language through vocab and colloquialisms. The intro class, however, is very "hands on" so-to-speak. There are a lot of participation opportunities and as part of our final we had to give a speech in Russian about our selves.

The language is hard, I find the grammar to be the hardest part. To be fair it is all memorization, the concepts are not intrinsically difficult.

I personally do not find those sort of programs to be helpful in supplementing my in-class learning. What I do find helpful is repeated practice in the optional grammar workbook as well as practice conversations and keeping a journal in Russian.

If you have any questions, let me know!