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 225
Nabokov’s Art and Terrors
Description
Gain a critical appreciation of Nabokov’s literary art and the cultural and aesthetic contexts from which they emerged, as well as situate his work within the currents of literary modernism.
RUSS 234
The Soviet Experience
Description
Explore the dramatic history and the dissolution of the Soviet Union from the perspective of those whose lives were deeply affected by the social upheavals it brought about.
RUSS 237
Soviet Union During the Cold War
Description
How were the decades of the Cold War experienced behind the Iron Curtain? Study the roots of the Cold War; the unfolding of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe; and Soviet relations with the West, China, and the developing world.