Russian

“Russia is broader and more diverse, stranger and more contradictory than any idea of it.” —Tatyana Tolstaya, author of On the Golden Porch and The Slynx

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

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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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 227

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Description

In this course, we will study Dostoevsky’s fiction and journalistic writings, alongside reactions to his work from international thinkers, writers, and filmmakers.

RUSS 255

Imposture: Con-men, Swindlers, and Other Pretenders

Description

This course investigates various figures of imposture in literature—the ways that con-men, swindlers, and pretenders reflect and manipulate the cultural, political, and social dilemmas of their respective periods.

RUSS 401

Advanced Studies in Russian Literature and Culture I

Description

We will read one of the most influential novels of the 20th century Russian literature—"The Master and Margarita," by Mikhail Bulgakov—in its original language.

Meet Our Faculty

Each professor and lecturer in our department has achieved distinction as a published scholar in a different aspect of Russia’s literary and cultural history. Meet the entire department.