Interdisciplinary in its approach
This major was created to give the student at Wittenberg the opportunity to study the complicated fabric of Russian society through an interdisciplinary approach. Thus, Russian civilization, economics, geography, history, language, literature, political science and sociology are synthesized in tis program.
Wittenberg is able to offer some of the finest study abroad opportunities in Russia, among them on-site study in Kiev, Minsk, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladimir, and more. Intensive study of the Russian language can be pursued at Middlebury College and Indiana University over the summer. With enough language proficiency, you may choose to take classes at Wittenberg taught entirely in Russian.
Our expertise and experience come from regularly conducted research in Russia, publishing, and addressing professionals and students around the U.S. Extensive resources available and Russian periodicals at the Thomas Library.
B.A.: Russian Area Studies
Minor: Russian Area Studies
Economics
Geography
History
Political Science
Russian Language and Literature
Russian Area Studies
Sociology
Wittenberg’s multimedia foreign language classroom has 27 computer stations, each loaded with programs that allow students to speak, write, listen and read in Russian. Some programs help with vocabulary, grammar and reading skills while others help with composition.
George E. Hudson, professor and director (Political Science), Russian politics, Russian foreign policy, Russian national security affairs
Olga L. Medvedkov, professor (Geography), geography of the post-Soviet realm, Russian urban geography
Joseph E. O’Connor, professor (History), Russian and Soviet history of former Yugoslavia
Jerry G. Pankhurst, professor (Sociology), post-Soviet societies, religion in Russia and successor states
David M. Wishart, associate professor (Economics), comparative economic systems, natural resources economics
Lila W. Zaharkov, associate professor (Foreign Languages and Literatures), Russian language, literature and culture
Our students have taken internships with businesses in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod and Odessa.
Students interested in study abroad often pursue studies in cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novgorod, Vladimir, Minsk, and Kiev, among others.
Recent first jobs include:
Wittenberg graduates also often attend law schools. In recent years our majors have attended:
Ten years after graduating, our majors were in jobs such as:
Our Russian Area Studies students attend colloquia; participate in round-table discussions; have meetings with Russian politicians, playwrights, artists; and take trips to see Russian theatre and movies.
