Major: Russian Studies
The CIA's World Factbook
Winston Churchill called Russia “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” From Tsarist excesses to the Bolshevik Revolution and beyond, the country has a rich history.
And while Soviet super spies no longer star in American films, we continue to be fascinated by this enormous country. Events in Russia, such as those of the tragic conflict with Chechen rebels, continue to shake the world.
Russian studies majors attempt to decode the riddle of Russia and see into its future by studying it from all angles.
Majors in Russian studies examine the history, economics, politics, and culture of Russia and its people.
Did You Know?
- Russian studies increasingly includes Central Asian and Eurasian countries, with some students learning languages such as Uzbek or Turkmen.
Are You Ready To...?
- Read about current events in Russian newspapers such as Pravda
- Write a business letter in Russian
- Watch Russian films from the 1920s and discuss them in class -- in Russian
- Study the poems of Anna Akhmatova
- Possibly live in someone’s Moscow home and speak Russian daily
It Helps to Be...
Able to make connections. The taking of hostages at a school in Beslan, for example, has implications for the fight against terrorism worldwide.
College Checklist
- Is Russian studies offered as a major of its own or as a minor or concentration within another major such as political science?
- What are the language requirements?
- Does the program offer internships with cultural organizations or government institutions?
- Does the program offer exchange study opportunities, such as intensive language classes, at other colleges?
- Does the department sponsor cultural activities such as concerts or a Russian club?
- What opportunities will you have to study abroad?
“I did one paper on the collapse of the Russian military. I learned a lot from that, and it was a fun paper to work on.”
Sean, senior, international studies and Russian,
Baylor University
Course Spotlight
A great way to get a first taste of present-day Russian culture is to take a course on Russia and the Internet. In this class, you’ll use the Web to listen to English-language radio broadcasts and read English-language news reports from Russia. You’ll learn about Russian attitudes on everything from religion to raising children. But you’ll do more surf: classes also include off-line reading, class participation, and exams.
