The Major
Students become sophisticated readers of Russia’s cultural traditions through the disciplines of literature, film, cultural studies, history and politics.
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We examine the rebels, deviants, dissidents and loners of Russian literature, and the interchange between art and politics, from the Russian Futurists to Pussy Riot. All of our literature and culture courses are taught in translation.
Department Highlights
Literature Courses
Our literature and culture courses—offered in translation—are part a broad liberal arts tradition.
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Language Instruction
Many students begin Russian language study for the first time at Amherst. Our language courses provide instruction at all levels.
Russian House
At the Russian Culture Theme House in Porter Residence Hall, students speak Russian and participate in cultural and social events. Russian House hosts a Thursday night tea for students to polish their language skills.
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Center for Russian Culture:
We are closely tied with the College’s nationally recognized Center for Russian Culture, which features an archival and rare book collection and a 20,000-volume Russian reference library.
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Whitney Collection of Russian Art
Amherst holds more than 750 works of Russian art, the majority of which date from 1900 to 1950.
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After Amherst
Our majors have gone on to graduate study in Russian literature, comparative literature and international affairs at leading universities, and to law, medical and business schools. A good number have worked or are now working in Russia.
Russian Courses
Current Courses
RUSS 123
Century of Catastrophe
RUSS 315
What is Language? Russian and Soviet Views
Description
This course examines how Russian writers and thinkers answered the question, "What is language?"— how they did and do language—by drawing upon sources from intellectual history, linguistics, literary and critical theory, mythology, theology, and philosophy.
RUSS 401