"A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma" is how Winston Churchill described Russia in a still-famous phrase from 1939. A half-century of Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union did little to soften that characterization in the West. But in recent years, Russia has begun to reveal itself, and Hamilton's Russian studies program is dedicated to fully unraveling the Russian mystery.
The Russian Studies Program offers coursework in the country's language, literature, history, politics, arts and religion. It provides a rigorous curriculum in thinking, speaking and writing — in both Russian and English — suited to a variety of fields and interests, from graduate study to professional training. Students in many courses read and evaluate Russian sources in translation, but majors are required to develop full proficiency in Russian through the program's extensive language courses.
Language-study courses in the program focus on building practical speaking skills as well as developing a more comprehensive understanding of Russian communication and meaning. In the first year, particular attention is paid to cultural context; in the second, the language of contemporary Russian media; in the third, Russian literature.
The Russian Studies Program is noted for its creative curriculum and its strong commitment to student-faculty interaction. Because the program is relatively small, professors and students have the opportunity to work closely in and out of the classroom. Courses incorporate innovative team-teaching methods and Web resources.
With a dual emphasis on language proficiency and an understanding of Russia's history, politics and culture, the Russian studies major is excellent training for further studies in graduate school as well as professional careers. Recent Hamilton graduates are now succeeding in such fields as international trade and finance, cultural and educational exchanges, and technology and land reform in Russia.
The program offers a remarkable option to those students who are drawn to the study of Russia but who do not have the time or background necessary to develop full language proficiency. The minor in Russian studies requires an introductory course and four other courses in the program; while language study is always encouraged, it is not required of minors.
Language-study courses in the program focus on building practical speaking skills as well as developing a more comprehensive understanding of Russian communication and meaning. In the first year, particular attention is paid to cultural context; in the second, the language of contemporary Russian media; in the third, Russian literature.
The Russian Studies Program is noted for its creative curriculum and its strong commitment to student-faculty interaction. Because the program is relatively small, professors and students have the opportunity to work closely in and out of the classroom. Courses incorporate innovative team-teaching methods and Web resources.
With a dual emphasis on language proficiency and an understanding of Russia's history, politics and culture, the Russian studies major is excellent training for further studies in graduate school as well as professional careers. Recent Hamilton graduates are now succeeding in such fields as international trade and finance, cultural and educational exchanges, and technology and land reform in Russia.
The program offers a remarkable option to those students who are drawn to the study of Russia but who do not have the time or background necessary to develop full language proficiency. The minor in Russian studies requires an introductory course and four other courses in the program; while language study is always encouraged, it is not required of minors.
Language-study courses in the program focus on building practical speaking skills as well as developing a more comprehensive understanding of Russian communication and meaning. In the first year, particular attention is paid to cultural context; in the second, the language of contemporary Russian media; in the third, Russian literature.
The Russian Studies Program is noted for its creative curriculum and its strong commitment to student-faculty interaction. Because the program is relatively small, professors and students have the opportunity to work closely in and out of the classroom. Courses incorporate innovative team-teaching methods and Web resources.
With a dual emphasis on language proficiency and an understanding of Russia's history, politics and culture, the Russian studies major is excellent training for further studies in graduate school as well as professional careers. Recent Hamilton graduates are now succeeding in such fields as international trade and finance, cultural and educational exchanges, and technology and land reform in Russia.
The program offers a remarkable option to those students who are drawn to the study of Russia but who do not have the time or background necessary to develop full language proficiency. The minor in Russian studies requires an introductory course and four other courses in the program; while language study is always encouraged, it is not required of minors.
Language-study courses in the program focus on building practical speaking skills as well as developing a more comprehensive understanding of Russian communication and meaning. In the first year, particular attention is paid to cultural context; in the second, the language of contemporary Russian media; in the third, Russian literature.
The Russian Studies Program is noted for its creative curriculum and its strong commitment to student-faculty interaction. Because the program is relatively small, professors and students have the opportunity to work closely in and out of the classroom. Courses incorporate innovative team-teaching methods and Web resources.
With a dual emphasis on language proficiency and an understanding of Russia's history, politics and culture, the Russian studies major is excellent training for further studies in graduate school as well as professional careers. Recent Hamilton graduates are now succeeding in such fields as international trade and finance, cultural and educational exchanges, and technology and land reform in Russia.
The program offers a remarkable option to those students who are drawn to the study of Russia but who do not have the time or background necessary to develop full language proficiency. The minor in Russian studies requires an introductory course and four other courses in the program; while language study is always encouraged, it is not required of minors.
