Explore One Sixth of the Globe - The Russian Federation and the other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (the former Soviet Union) are dynamic and complex nations with rapidly growing economies. Because of their vast natural resources, technological expertise, and proud heritage, their influence is felt across the globe. At the same time, the region has produced some of the most enduring and beautiful works of music, literature, and art. At Macalester, we provide many pathways into discovering this region, its people, and its works.
Read the classics in our courses on Russian literature in translation. Many of the authors we teach – such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Chekhov, and Nabokov – produced enduring works of world literature that have broadened the definition of their genres. The readings are in translation in the majority of our courses, and all students are welcome. Many of our courses are cross-listed with the English, History, International Studies, and Humanities, Media, and Cultural Studies departments.
 Discover the avant garde by taking a course in Russian culture. The twentieth century brought not only revolution and turmoil, but also dazzling experimentation with form, content, and new ways of thinking. Yet a closer look at Russia's history reveals centuries of such innovation, which continues to the present day. Our culture courses explore Russia's folklore, mythology, mass culture, visual arts, theater, music, and cinema.
Start learning Russian this fall and you can study abroad next fall by taking two semesters of first-year Russian and an intensive second-year course over the summer. Students who start in their first year are typically on track to study in Russia in their junior year.
Choose the Russian major and you will have many options, whether your interests lean toward literature and culture or area studies (e.g., political science, geography, government, and economics). We provide challenging upper level coursework leading up to the capstone senior seminar, plus special topics courses, and opportunities for independent study. Our majors have gone on to careers in academia, business, and journalism.
 All are welcome at the Russian House. Join us for conversation, movies, tasty food, holiday celebrations, guest speakers, and film screenings. If you like what you see, you can apply to live at Russian House after your freshman year.
Attend or help organize our annual conference - Each year, students and faculty work together to produce a conference with a guest speaker and an academic paper competition that is open to all students in the Twin Cities area. Past speakers have included musicians, journalists, literary scholars, and historians. Learn more...
Explore Russia in Minnesota - Russian immigrants comprise one of the largest immigrant groups in the Twin Cities, and the majority of them have arrived since the 1990s. There is a large Russian emigre community here, as well as a strong general interest in Russian culture and language. Examples include the Museum of Russian Art -- the largest of its kind outside of Russia -- and the Russia Far East conservation program at the Minnesota Zoo. There is also a variety of cultural events, restaurants, music performances, dance, and theater.
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Help protect the environment - Russia occupies more land on the planet than any other country. It has 25% of the world's fresh water, 22% of the world's forests, and 20% of the world's oil reserves. The region is second only to the Amazon in the amount of carbon dioxide that it absorbs. What Russia does (or does not do) with its resources can have a major impact on the rest of the world. Learn more...
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