Russian

Why take courses in this discipline?

The study of Russian at Grinnell opens the door to a challenging language and the cultural and historical experiences of the Russian-speaking world. Our language courses emphasize linguistic proficiency, with the goal of educating students who can speak, write, read, and understand the Russian language and become familiar with the culture of Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union, and use that knowledge for academic and general research, and in various professional contexts, both in the United States and around the world. Our program emphasizes speaking and listening skills at every level, and all language courses are conducted primarily in Russian. Courses in translation consider the important literary and cultural offerings of Russia's past and present, ranging from the great works of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Nabokov, to the study of 20th- and 21st-century culture. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian department has worked closely with the Russian, Central, and Eurasian studies (RCEES) concentration and has organized programming and curricular offerings to help students understand this world crisis. We provide an active and welcoming co-curricular program, with lectures, film screenings, concerts, and other activities. Our Russian language assistant, in collaboration with the residents of our active Russian language house, regularly organizes various cultural events for students taking courses in the department.

How does this discipline contribute to the liberal arts?

Courses offered by the Russian department concern communication/writing, language study, human behavior and society, and creative expression.

What kinds of questions are asked in this discipline?

How does the study of another language and culture change the way we see ourselves? How can knowledge of the Russian language and Russian culture reveal different perspectives on the world and human culture and identity, and lead to better understanding between cultures, especially during times of conflict?

What does it mean to study in-depth the linguistic structure of another language? How can advanced fluency in another language give one access to the knowledge produced in another culture? What can the study of language and culture contribute to our understanding of diversity?

What is Russia’s role in world culture, from its contributions of great works of Russian literature, art, music, and science, to the revolutionary social and political experiments of the 19th and 20th centuries? How are we to make sense of and respond to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in the 21st century?

How does a student get started?

Students who want to begin Russian studies should take RUS 101: Beginning Russian I. Students who have previously studied Russian should take a placement diagnostic during the "Languages and Cultures at Grinnell” event that takes place during NSO.

Students majoring in Russian are encouraged to take courses in literature, history, political science, linguistics, gender and sexuality studies, fine arts, philosophy, and film.

Sample Four-Year Plan for a Russian Major

There is no four-year plan typical for a Russian major, but a four-year plan for a Russian major might resemble the following course of study:

Off-Campus Study

While students are not able to study in Russia at present, due to its war on Ukraine, they can choose from several summer and semester-long study opportunities in the Russian-speaking world (Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Kazakhstan). Programs are available for students with one, two, or three years of Russian language study. Interested students should consult the Russian department about recommended programs. Most Russian majors study abroad during their four years at Grinnell College, typically in the fall or spring semesters of their third year, or during the summer. The department offers considerable funding support for summer language study at programs in the United States and the Russian-speaking world. Courses taken on approved study programs in the U.S. and abroad count for credit in our curriculum, depending on the level and length of the program. Most credits earned in approved programs count toward the Russian major.

Contributions to Other Majors/Concentrations

Courses in Russian contribute to the concentrations in:

• Russian, Central European, and Eurasian studies
• European studies
• peace and conflict studies
• global development studies

Department Events and Opportunities

Russian Table, awards, and scholarships