Current Courses (Fall 2024)
RUSSN 310: Russian and East European Cinema (taught in English; Wed, 7--9.40 pm)
Beginning in 1989, the communist regimes of East-Central Europe collapsed one after another, marking the end of Soviet-Russian domination over the region. However, the stability and progress achieved in the three decades since the Cold War's end are now severely threatened. The Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the largest military conflict in Europe since World War II, has shattered the post-Cold War order and reignited fears of Russian imperialism. This invasion, alongside ongoing refugee crises, contentious immigration policies, and the rise of far-right populist movements, has plunged East-Central Europe into a state of uncertainty.
RUS 310 will survey contemporary cinema from Russia and East-Central Europe, examining how it has responded to the evolution of these societies in the post-Cold War era. Special attention will be given to the Ukraine War, exploring its profound impact on the region and its representation in film. Additionally, the course will delve into contemporary Russian society, investigating the sources of mass support of the war and compliance with the current regime.
RUSSN 311: Russian Through Media (a fully online course, taught in Russian)
Russian Through Media is designed as a communicative course targeting Intermediate and Advanced Low (ACTFL) students typically in their 5/6 semesters of studying Russian. The primary goal of the course is to improve students’ Russian language skills by familiarizing them with the contemporary media landscape.