Russian Studies
The goal of Hamilton’s Russian Studies program is to explore in a deep, interdisciplinary way the language, literature, culture, history, and politics of the Russian-speaking countries of Eurasia.
About the Major
With its innovative curriculum and close student-faculty interactions, Hamilton’s Russian Studies Program focuses on the complexities of this fascinating, and at times mystifying, country that has created some of humanity’s greatest artworks and perpetrated some of its bloodiest crimes. Students in many courses read and evaluate Russian sources in translation; majors are required to develop full proficiency in Russian through extensive language courses. The rigorous curriculum in thinking, speaking, and writing is suited to a variety of fields and interests.
A Sampling of Courses
“The Most Important Art”: Russian, Soviet, and post-Soviet Film
This course will begin by exploring early Soviet masters of montage along with the pioneers of “mass” film who enjoyed greater success with audiences. We will watch films that deal with the experience of World War II and the generational shift that came with Khrushchev’s thaw, as well as arthouse cinema that practiced a more meditative cinematic sensibility. We will consider films that spoke to the excitement and changing values that defined the era of Perestroika and Russia’s post-Soviet experiments with democracy and capitalism before concluding with films that shed light on the neo-authoritarian, neo-imperialist Russia of the present. We will devote attention to films from other countries in the Soviet and post-Soviet world.
Explore these select courses:
An introduction to the Russian language in a contemporary cultural context. Focus on development of speaking skills in real-life situations.
Examines political processes in Russia after the collapse of communism in the former Soviet Union. Central focus on explaining the rise of multi-party democracy in the 1990s and the subsequent consolidation of authoritarian rule under Vladimir Putin. Topics include the creation of political parties, the state’s use of propaganda and the media, the problem of corruption, and the prospects for democracy in the future.
Readings of representative works with emphasis on major literary movements, cultural history, and basic literary devices. Primary texts by Pushkin, Gogol, Turgenev, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, as well as some critical materials.
The course will examine Russia’s relations with both its post-Soviet neighbors and the West from the Tsarist era to the present. Topics to be covered include: the formation of the Russian Empire, the Cold War, the evolution of Russian-Western relations since the collapse of communism, Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, and the outbreak of a major war with Ukraine in 2022. A central theme of the course will be the evolution of Russian national identity, especially as it relates to Russia’s status as an empire and its relationship with the West.
Meet Our Faculty
Sharon Werning Rivera
Sidney Wertimer Professor for Excellence in Advising and Mentoring, Professor of Government; Director of Russian Studies
Post-communist democratization, the composition of the Russian elite, elite survey research, and the diffusion of ideas
Soviet and post-Soviet society and culture; film, performance; popular music; contemporary poetry; affect; narrative theory; media; Russian political thought; post-socialism
Russian language, 19th century Russian literature, history of medicine, affect theory, hysteria
Marianne Janack
John Stewart Kennedy Professor of Philosophy, Acting Chair of the Department of German, Russian, Italian, and Arabic
epistemology; philosophy of science; philosophy of mind; theories of identity; feminist theory; philosophy and literature; American pragmatism
Russian and Soviet history, Central Eurasian history, and history of the modern Middle East
The international politics of Eurasia, post-communist democratization, and the composition of the Russian elite
Explore Hamilton Stories
Faculty Share Thoughts on Ukraine/Russia
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears its fourth week, we asked several Hamilton professors, experts in various aspects of the region and the war, to comment on recent events. The situation may have evolved since they shared their perspectives between March 10 and 15.
Seven Faculty Members Appointed to Endowed Chairs
President David Wippman recently announced the appointment of seven Hamilton faculty members to endowed chairs. Shoshana Keller was appointed the William R. Kenan Professor.
Keirouz ’22 Examining Russian Émigré Communities
Inspiration can be found in any number of places. For John Keirouz ’22, it was right at home. The son of a Lebanese immigrant, Keirouz described how he took interest in his father’s desire to stay in touch with his homeland.
Careers After Hamilton
Hamilton graduates who concentrated in Russian studies are pursuing careers in a variety of fields, including:
- English Teaching Assistant (Cherepovets, Russian Federation), U.S. Fulbright Program
- Research Specialist, Center for Naval Analysis
- Pediatric Physician, Seattle Children's Hospital
- Senior Attorney, NYS Commission on Judicial Conduct
- Director of Marketing & Communications, World Union for Progressive Judaism
- Occupational Therapist, Mid-Shore Special Education Consortium
- Principal Investment Officer, International Finance Corp.
- Global Health Program Manager, Catholic Medical Mission Board
Contact
Department Name
Russian Studies Program
Contact Name
Sharon Rivera, Program Director
Clinton, NY 13323
