East European and Russian Studies
East European and Russian Studies at W&L
Though occupying more territory than any other nation, Russia has traditionally been opaque to the outsider. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia has been open to the rest of the world as never before. Its cultural heritage dating back a thousand years is reviving and evolving further and has become easily accessible. Russia is also a society with enormous potential undergoing rapid and radical change. For all these reasons, students must be prepared to understand and interact with Russia on many levels.
The EERS Program is designed to provide the theoretical and practical background needed for either post-graduate study in a number of fields or for successful pursuit of a career immediately upon graduation. Most EERS majors study for at least one term in Russia, mainly in St. Petersburg or Moscow.
Opportunities
Want an exciting course of study and extracurricular activities? We offer Russian Theater, Culture Fridays, movie nights, guest speakers, and journalism projects in Russian.
Curious about politics? In this case, you are certainly aware of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, their exploits in Syria, and the Mueller investigation. Russia will be a serious political player for the foreseeable future.
Thinking of a career in international law? Russia’s troubled history when it comes to human rights and international treaties on the conduct of war and trade will be of interest, and knowledge of the Russian language will be of use.
Interested in economics? Russia, as a major world supplier of gas and oil, will pique your interest.Do you love art and literature? Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, Chekhov and Nabokov will forever shine above political and historical turmoil. Avant-garde artists and filmmakers in early 20th century Russia are still undeniably, inspirationally cool.
- The U.S. State Department: Critical Languages Scholarships for summer study in Russia. The program is fully funded including travel, a room with a host family, and three meals a day.
- American Councils for International Education: Russian Flagship Overseas Program, funded by the United States government
- Boren Scholarship (Study Abroad, U.S. Government Service Requirement)
- Gilman International Scholarship (Study Abroad, Pell Grant-Eligible Students)
- W&L's Russian Program partners with the College of William & Mary for the six-week summer language intensive in St. Petersburg.
- The Bard-Smolny Study Abroad Program offers students a year of study at the Smolny Institute in St. Petersburg. Students directly matriculate and take classes with Russian professors and Russian students.
After W&L
Graduates can pursue varied careers in areas such as international journalism, business, law, nonprofit work, film and Slavic studies.
The East European and Russian Studies Program provides vital scholarship support for prestigious programs like the Fulbright research or teaching assistantship program.
Sample Courses
Elementary Russian
A basic course in Russian which includes the spoken language, fundamental grammar and reading.
Intermediate Russian
Study of Russian language, fundamental grammar and reading, as well as some Russian literature and culture.
Advanced Russian
Speaking, reading and writing of Russian with increased attention to Russian literature and advanced grammar.
19th-Century Russian Literature
A study of major works by Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol, Turgenev, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Chekhov.
20th Century Russian Literature
The novels, plays, poetry and literary movements of the 20th century. Solzhenitsyn, Babel, Platonov, Mandelshtam, and Tsvetaeva are examples of authors examined. Conducted in Russian.
Topics in Russian Literature
Various iterations of this course each tackle a particular author, period or genre. Recent topics have included Russian War Stories, Russian Childhood, The Art and Craft of Propaganda, and The Caucasus.
Meet the Faculty
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors who educate and nurture.
