Welcome to the Russian Department!
Russian students don’t just gain a thorough mastery of the language. Each student is also able to focus on a particular area of interest. Some choose a traditional literature major. Others pursue advanced coursework in such fields as history, sociology, or cinema. The Department also offers an off-campus program in Central Asia.
During the first year (Russian 101-103) we employ a multi-skill approach to cover fundamental communicative skills and basic grammar. Using original materials developed by the Carleton Russian faculty, we introduce students to a wide range of historical and cultural texts: folklore, poetry, histories of Moscow and St. Petersburg, and original texts by Pushkin, Tolstoy and Chekhov. First year courses are team-taught by native and non-native speakers of Russian. Russian 101 at Carleton is offered every fall term.
Students fulfill the language requirement by completing Russian 204, usually during the fall of sophomore year. Students then may elect to enroll in Russian 205: Speaking and Listening, in which they learn about contemporary Russian cultural and social issues, while continuing to hone their language skills. Throughout the language sequence we use authentic materials: contemporary film, rock and popular music, and television footage to supplement more traditional sources in the contemporary press. Satellite link-up to Russian TV, short-wave radio and state-of-the-art audio and video equipment are available at the Language Center.
Department Statement on Ukraine
The Russian Department at Carleton College unanimously finds horrifying, abhorrent, and unjustifiable in political or human terms the Russian government’s encroachment on the sovereignty of Ukraine.
Info for First-Year Students
Recent events have demonstrated (once again) the need for the world, and Americans in particular, to pay more attention to Russia and to look deeper into Russian society and culture. While a career in Russian studies may not be your goal, knowledge of Russian language and experience living in Russia will certainly set you apart from other candidates for a job or a fellowship or graduate schools.
Most students who study Russian at Carleton have no previous experience with the language. We employ a multi-skill approach to cover fundamental communicative skills and basic Russian grammar. Students are introduced to a wide range of historical and cultural texts, as well as multimedia materials such as film, popular music, and television. Students can take Russian to fulfill the general language requirement, and may go on to earn a minor in Russian. The department also offers literature and film courses in translation, with no prerequisites.
Topics explored
Russian language, literature, culture, and film.
How to get started
Students interested in beginning language study should enroll in RUSS 101, offered in the fall only. RUSS 150: Contemporary Russian Culture and Society is taught in English and is designed for first-year students. It is a writing-rich course (WR), with writing assignments tailored to portfolio requirements.
Native speakers of Russian should contact the department about testing, placement, and courses of interest.
Get involved!
Events like weekly Russian Tea and Russian Table are a great way to practice your language skills and get to know your Russian-speaking comrades.
Learn Russian from Baba Yaga!
Our home-grown online teaching program has been in use since 2009 and is now free of charge. You can register and view the site with no obligation.