Program Overview
The Russian Studies program at Lawrence combines strong preparation in Russian language and a wide variety of content courses, in English and Russian, that help students develop a deep understanding of Russian literature, history, society, and culture. There is a lot of support for studying the language, including one-on-one sessions with faculty, the language assistant, and tutors. Students are encouraged to explore connections between Russian and other disciplines, especially through their Senior Experience. Most of our students are double-majors; alumni pursue a variety of professional careers that often combine their interests in Russian and another field.
Program Highlights
Learn Russian with Dedicated Support
Build your language skills in small classes with close guidance from faculty committed to your growth and success.
Explore Culture in Context
Study Russian literature, film, and the arts within their historical context, with many courses taught in English and open to all students.
Find Your Russian Community
Join a close-knit, supportive department where students build lasting connections and often describe the program as their “Russian family.”
Study Abroad with Added Support
Choose from Lawrence-affiliated study abroad programs and explore funding opportunities connected to Russian’s status as a critical language.
Spotlight
Alumni Perspective
“I had three majors at Lawrence, but the Russian Department probably had the biggest long-term impact on my career. I use Russian every day in my Chicago community; in my role as a teacher, I use the same language acquisition techniques in my classes.”
John O’Neill ’18, teacher
Russian Studies, Government, Music Performance (Horn)
Northfield, Illinois
Types of Degrees
We offer a Russian Studies major and a Russian minor.
Advising
At Lawrence, academic advising helps you shape an educational experience that reflects your interests, goals, and aspirations. Your faculty advisor will support you as you plan your path, connect with campus resources and communities, and make informed decisions that prepare you for a meaningful and fulfilling future.
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Fill out the form below and a Lawrence University academic advisor will be in touch shortly!
Faculty
Engage deeply and collaboratively with professors who are experts in their field and committed to supporting your education.
Chairs
Victoria Kononova (she/her; она/её)
Associate Professor of Russian
victoria.kononova@lawrence.edu
My specialty is nineteenth-century Russian literature and theater. I love digging into such staples of Russian literature as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Pushkin, Gogol, and Chekhov. I also teach advanced Russian language…
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Irina Potapova (she, her)
Instructor of Russian
Classes taught at Lawrence UniversitySecond year Russian sequence (Intermediate Russian I RUSS 211; Intermediate Russian II RUSS 212; Advanced Intermediate Russian RUSS 250)Russian TV Talk (RUSS 340)Russian Animated Film (RUSS…
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Peter John Thomas (he/him)
Associate Professor of Russian Studies
I love Russian language, culture, and history, but literature is my real passion.
View Full ProfileLearning Spaces
Students and faculty of the Russian department often spend time at the International House, where we do film screenings, cultural events, and just cozy hangouts with Russian food, which we cook ourselves.
A highlight of the academic year is the Russian immersion weekend at Bjorklunden, where we play games, do skits, learn songs, watch films, and enjoy time outside – all of it in Russian!
