Academic Program

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This information is part of the Colgate University catalog, 2024-25.

Faculty

Professors Graybill, Helfant
Associate Professor Erley (Director)
Senior Lecturer Domashenko
Visiting Assistant Professor Budnitsky

Russian and Eurasian Studies (REST) is a multi- and interdisciplinary program that aims to give students an understanding of the history, politics, literature, environment, and culture of Russian, East European and Eurasian places, along with proficiency in the Russian language. Students in this program benefit from the expertise of instructors in diverse fields, including literary and cultural studies, art history, anthropology, history, geography, Jewish studies, environmental studies, and political science. Prospective majors, and those with an interest in Russian language, should begin  as soon as possible. The major requires a minimum of two years of language. Students who continue into advanced Russian are encouraged to spend a semester studying Russian abroad on one of Colgate's approved programs. Courses throughout the curriculum are interdisciplinary and culminate in a senior seminar in which majors pursue advanced research in a collaborative environment. Many of our students choose to combine Russian and Eurasian studies with a wide range of second majors or minors. Recent graduates have found work in government, journalism, law, NGOs, education, finance, and many other fields; some have gone to the Peace Corps, and a significant number have pursued graduate study.

Language Placement and GPA Requirements

Students with two or more years of high school Russian, and students who have taken an introductory level summer session course at another university, will normally matriculate into  or . Students with such previous Russian study, transfer students with coursework in Russian, and students from Russian-speaking families (heritage speakers) should consult with faculty for advice on placement.

An average of C (2.00) is required for graduation in the major or minor. All REST courses taken at Colgate are counted toward the cumulative grade.

Awards

The Robert L. Murray Award in Russian and Eurasian Studies — awarded by the program for excellence and originality in Russian and Eurasian studies at Colgate.

The Albert Parry Prize — awarded by the program for contributions to the Russian and Eurasian studies community.

The Richard Sylvester Award for First-Year Students — awarded by the department to a first-year student who has demonstrated superior progress and promise in Russian and Eurasian studies.

Honors and High Honors

Students apply in the fall of their senior year to pursue Honors in the spring semester. A minimum overall GPA in the major of 3.30 for honors and 3.70 for high honors is required, plus a written thesis of 40 to 60 pages. Students who write an honors thesis are required to complete an honors independent study () in the semester following the senior seminar. Students may find additional requirements for Honors on the program site.

Study Abroad

The Russian and Eurasian studies faculty and Off-Campus Study/International Programs have collaborated to identify a small number of approved programs for students with at least two years of college Russian who wish to spend a semester abroad studying Russian. Two course credits toward the major or minor can be earned through study in Russia. Consult with the Russian and Eurasian studies faculty for further details.

Courses

The courses listed below are offered by the REST program. As an interdisciplinary program, select courses from other departments/programs may also count toward the REST major and minor requirements. Use the major/minor links below to find other courses that count toward these requirements. 

Majors and Minors

Major

Minor

Courses