The mission of Brigham Young University is “to assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life. That assistance should provide a period of intensive learning in a stimulating setting where a commitment to excellence is expected and the full realization of human potential is pursued.” The purpose of the portfolio is for you to articulate a few of the most valued lessons you have acquired during this period of intensive learning and to compile work that demonstrates your commitment to excellence.
1) Write and submit one short paper (3–5 pages) in English or Russian in which you reflect on what you have learned in the major and how courses and other activities associated with the Russian program have contributed to your learning. The Russian word for “education” is образование, and the root образ means “shape” or “form.” An education is designed to shape and form our knowledge and abilities as well as our values, our perspectives on life, and our relationships with other people and with God. In this paper you may choose to reflect on how your study of Russian has shaped you as a person or how it has shaped your professional goals and capabilities. A third option is to integrate these spheres and address both your personal and professional growth.
a). If you focus on how your education has shaped you personally, please mention at least three or four specific ideas, principles, or concepts that have been particularly meaningful to you. Feel free to link those ideas to specific courses or internship/study abroad experiences. Your reading journals in various classes and your oral presentations in Russian 441/442 may be helpful resources for you as you synthesize the meaning of your study of Russian.
b). If you emphasize the professional realm, please outline specific skills or perspectives you have gained because of your Russian major and particular classes, including internship or study abroad, that will enable you to make distinctive contributions as an employee in whatever job you may pursue. You may wish to consult the Humanities+ blog (https://humanitiesplusblog.byu.edu/). This site contains numerous articles that link a study of the humanities with professional pursuits.
c). If you wish to integrate the personal and professional realms, please highlight a couple of ideas or principles that have shaped you personally and then outline a couple of skills you have acquired that you feel will contribute to your professional success.
2) Complete the following exit survey regarding your experience as a Russian major:
