I plan on learning Russian in University.
I haven't had much exposure to the language thus far. My boyfriend is from Ukraine and his family speaks Russian at home. I know some phrases, and I have begun to understand what people say only because I understand words here and there, and I put the sentences together in my head.

I wanted to take a course at University of Toronto. I was wondering, has anyone taken such a course? Do they expect you to have prior knowledge of the language?
I tried looking for a professor, or anyone that I could e-mail, but I have found none.

Thank you for any advice, or stories you have about learning Russian in University (or another school setting, where you have absolutely no background).
((By no background, I mean, your family is not even Russian/Ukranian. For example, I am Italian.))