Why Study Russian?
Russian at Trinity means to study one of the world’s most influential languages in a close-knit program that connects language learning with history, politics, literature, and global affairs.
Language + Culture Together
Study Russian as a living language while exploring literature, film, history, and the arts in their cultural context.
Start From the Beginning
No prior experience required—students begin with the fundamentals and build toward reading, discussing, and analyzing complex texts and media.
Global Immersion
Study abroad and connect with Russian-speaking communities through faculty-guided opportunities and immersive experiences.
The Russian Major (B.A.)
Trinity’s Russian major gives students a strong foundation in language, literature, and culture while building the skills to engage thoughtfully with the Russian-speaking world.
In-Demand Skills
Graduate with skills employers value, including:
- Reading, summarizing, and discussing texts in Russian
- Cross-cultural communication and interpretation
- Close reading, writing, and analytical thinking
Interdisciplinary Curriculum:
The program combines language study from beginning through advanced levels with coursework in literature, history, cinema, folklore, and the arts.
You’ll complete 21 credit hours through three integrated areas: language, literature, and culture.
View Russian B.A. requirements
Detailed course requirements, sequencing, and policies are outlined in the official Courses of Study Bulletin.
Russia Through Literature, Film, and Culture
Examine the ideas, stories, and historical moments that continue to shape global conversations through an interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in the liberal arts.
Introduction to Russian Literature
Read major 20th- and 21st-century Russian authors to analyze themes of politics, identity, ethics, and the human experience through close reading and discussion.
Russian Cinema
Explore how film reflects history, politics, identity, and social change while strengthening visual analysis and cultural literacy.
Russian Folklore and Culture
Examine folklore, traditions, and cultural practices to understand how societies preserve identity and respond to change, building cross-cultural perspective.
Russian History and the Arts
Connect literature, art, history, and politics to understand Russia’s influence on global events while developing research, analytical, and communication skills.
The Russian Minor
18 Credit Hours | 1.5 to 2 semesters of coursework
Build language skills and cultural fluency that strengthen any field of study.
The Russian minor gives students from any major the opportunity to study the Russian language, literature, and culture in an integrated way. It is designed for students who want to complement their primary field with deeper linguistic ability and a stronger understanding of the Russian-speaking world.
Coursework includes language study at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, along with courses in literature, culture, and history taught in both Russian and English.
Students do not need prior knowledge of Russian to pursue this minor.
Meet the Faculty
Faculty don’t just bring Russian culture to the classroom—they connect students to real Russian-speaking communities around the world, providing opportunities for internships and study abroad in these areas of the globe.
Recent Graduate Careers
Russian graduates pair strong communication and analytical skills with regional expertise, preparing them for careers in diplomacy, business, law, public service, intelligence, and graduate study.
Government, Diplomacy, and National Service
Graduates pursue careers in government agencies, diplomacy, and national service, applying their knowledge of Russian language and global affairs. Alumni have worked with organizations such as the U.S. State Department, Foreign Service, military, and Peace Corps.
Law, Policy, and Graduate Study
The program supports pathways to law school, public policy programs, and graduate study in the humanities and social sciences. Graduates have continued their education at institutions such as Fordham Law School and the Bush School of Government and Public Service.
International Business and Global Markets
Students prepare for careers in international business and work with American firms operating in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Language proficiency and regional expertise provide a strong advantage in global economic environments.
Security, Intelligence, and Specialized Fields
Russian language and cultural expertise are valuable in careers related to security, intelligence, and international relations. Students often pursue roles in military, government, and specialized fields where regional knowledge and analytical skills are essential.
Get Your Questions Answered
Students interested in Russian are encouraged to:
Talk with their academic adviser. Explore introductory Russian language and culture courses to see how the program connects with your academic and personal interests. Review the course catalog for detailed requirements.