Student Work
After graduating with a B.A. in Russian, Gerald Meenaghan embarked on a two-year assignment with the Peace Corps. While at the UO, Gerald studied abroad for a year in Russia. Now he teaches English in a predominantly Russian-speaking country. “I’ll be teaching English in a high school or institute somewhere near Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan,” Gerald explained before he started teaching. “I’m sure that my knowledge from the UO of all things Russian will come in handy.”
Junior Christine Coalwell's interest in Russian began in high school. "When I started reading Russian literature I became really fascinated by the culture and history." Christine wanted to be able to read her favorite Russian texts in their native language. "My interest in Russian literature gave me the incentive to learn the language."
As a Russian Studies major, Christine has been able to satisfy her interest in all things Russian. "I've taken language courses, a literature class, a history class, and a linguistics class." Some of the classes are offered through the Russian department, but Christine has also been able to take Russian-oriented courses through other departments, like the history department.
Christine has had a positive experience with the Russian faculty. "They're really excited when students show an interest in their culture. All my teachers have been really supportive and willing to share everything they know. The classes tend to be small and they take a personal interest in your life."
Christine has recently applied for a study abroad progam through the Office of International Education and Exchange and hopes to take her studies to Moscow for her entire senior year.
Other former UO students have helped draft the new Ukrainian constitution, solve environmental problems in Siberia, and organize women’s groups in Kyiv.
Selected Faculty Work
Professor Katya Hokanson is currently working on a book called Theatrical Asides: Russian Women's Travel Writing. Her current research interests include the history of Russian colonialism, the writing of Aleksandr Pushkin, and Russian women writers of the nineteenth century, particularly Madame Blavatsky. Her teaching focuses on Russian and European literature of the nineteenth century and literary theory.
Julie Hessler is an Associate Professor of History and Director of REESC. She teaches the undergraduate survey on twentieth century Russia, participates in introductory sequences, and upper-level undergraduate/graduate courses on various topics in Soviet, eastern European, and general twentieth century European history. Recent topical courses have included seminars on the Russian Revolution and Stalinism; Soviet culture; Postwar Western Europe; Eastern Europe since World War I; and Fascism and Nazism.
Russian language coordinator Yelaina Kripkov researches the art of poetic translation, Russian poetry of the nineteenth century, and post-Soviet Russian literature. Kripkov’s classes include Russian Language, Russian Literature and the History and Theory of Poetic Translation in Russia.
Career Prospects
A degree in Russian will provide you with the communication skills necessary to succeed in a country undergoing rapid change and growth.
A background in Russian language and culture will prepare you for domestic or international careers in consulting, private industry, teaching, research, translation, and governmental service.
The demand for graduates proficient in Russian is increasing as Russia’s market economy grows.