Overview
Program Committee
Jason Cieply (Russian)
Shoshana Keller (History)
Sharon Rivera (Program Director, Government)
The goal of Hamilton’s Russian Studies program is to explore in a deep, interdisciplinary way the language, literature, culture, history, and politics of the Russian-speaking countries of Eurasia.
Students will learn to:
- communicate, both orally and in writing, with native and near-native Russian speakers on a variety of non-technical topics
- paraphrase unabridged Russian texts, including internet sites
- conduct multidisciplinary research in Russian Studies
- lead a substantive conversation about the literary, historical, and political events and works that shape Russian culture
Russian Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the language, literature, culture, historical development and politics of Russia. The concentration in Russian Studies consists of eleven courses:
RUSSN-110, RUSSN-120, RUSSN-210, RUSSN-220, RUSSN-370, and RUSSN-380
RSNST-221, RSNST-222
Two electives at any level from among Russian Studies courses in politics, film, history, or literature in translation (see the catalog for specific courses)
The senior project, RSNST-550
The first-year Russian language course pays particular attention to the cultural context of the language. Emphasis is placed on the language of contemporary Russian media at the second-year level, followed by the opportunity to begin close reading of Russian literature in the original in RUSSN-370 and RUSSN-380. In order to fulfill the Social, Structural, and Institutional Hierarchies (SSIH) requirement, students must complete one of the following courses: RSNST-100, RSNST-169, RSNST-213, RSNST-221, RSNST-222, or RSNST-225. Study in a Russian-language program abroad for a semester or a year is strongly recommended for concentrators. The senior project is an individual work completed under the direct supervision of a member of the program. Most senior projects are substantial papers in literature, history, or cultural studies, and must include sources in Russian. To attain honors students must have an average of A- or better in all coursework for the concentration, including the Senior Project.
A minor in Russian studies consists of five courses: RUSSN-110, RUSSN-120 and three electives at any level from among Russian Studies courses in politics, film, history, or literature in translation.
Near-native and heritage speakers are encouraged to enroll in any of the Russian Studies courses.
No courses taken Credit/No Credit may be used toward the concentration or minor.