Studying in Russia
Here at St.Olaf we believe the best way to learn Russian or about the Russian culture is to live there. In order that our students graduate with a high proficency in the language we require at least one semester of language study in Russia to complete the major requirements. While this may seem daunting, we have three excellent programs that immerse students into the language and provide a safe, opportunity-rich environment. Please explore the options below. If you have any questions please contact us.
Semester in Russia at Kuban State University (ACM)
The enormous political, social, and economic changes taking place in
Russia provide a fascinating environment for this program, which combines
intensive study with an introductory course on Russian society. Exposure
to contemporary Russian life is features in coursework, field trips,
individual projects, and travel. The program is based at Kuban State
University in Krasnodar; most students live with Russian families, though
students may also live in university dormitories.
Term in St. Petersburg at St. Petersburg State University
The 16 week program offered by the Faculty of Language and Literature
of St. Petersburg State University includes 14 weeks of intensive language
study; a course in Russian literature and theater since 1880, lectures
on contemporary Russian politics and civilization, and two weeks to
visit other Russian cities and universities.
Semester at Novgorod State University
This program runs for 14 weeks and allows students a high degree of
immersion into the language and culture. Novgorod is one of the oldest
Russian cities and one of the best preserved and maintained. Students
live with a Russian family and attend classes both in the classroom
and around the city, learning about some of the 99 churches within the
Novgorod area. Students can take classes in Russian literature, grammar,
culture and other areas of study. This is considered to be one of the
premier study abroad programs in the nation due to the quality of NovSU
and of Novgorod the town. The town is located three hours southeast
of St.Petersburg and 6 hours northwest of Moscow making it ideal for
travel.
Russian 255: Interim: The Capitals in Russian Literature
This Interim off-campus program travels to Moscow, St.Petersburg and
Novgorod. During their stay, students study the role of the two capitals
in the literature and arts of Russia from the 18th century to the present
day. This is primarily a literature course, although there are numerous
opportunities for students to study other aspects of Russian culture
and life. The trip begins in Moscow where students spend two weeks before
traveling to St. Petersburg and Novgorod for the remainder of the trip.
Students are required to read books by Gogol, Dostoevsky, Bulgakov and
other texts by various writers; keep a daily journal and, of course,
attend excellent plays, tours and musical performances. Along with daily
lectures, students have ample time to explore the cities on their own.
All the classes are taught in English so a mastery, or even knowledge
of the Russian language in not required (although it is helpful when
trying to order food!) This trip is an excellent opportunity to visit
Russia in a relaxed and informal manner.*
Russian 256: Interim: Theater in Russia
Students study
drama and theater through the reading of dramatic criticism and plays.
Students attend approximately twenty productions, group discussions,
master classes, lectures and tours. Language barriers are used
to our advantage to address issues of staging, acting and audience reactions.
Texts and all lectures are in English. Students look at Russian
and Western classics and a variety of theatrical styles from opera to
puppet theater. Counts for Russian Area Studies and Theater elective
credit. ALS-A
*This trip is not offered every year.
