Russia is the meeting point of East and West. It’s a powerful and complex country on the rise again in many ways—economically, politically, and technologically—and its mother tongue is a language of undeniable importance.

Why study Russian at Sewanee?

As the fifth most widely spoken language in the world (with 277 million speakers) and one of the six languages of the United Nations, Russian is a powerful language in a changing world. Fluency in Russian can pave the way for a variety of career paths. Scientists, policy-makers, and language specialists all benefit from a mastery of this global language.

Whether you decide to study Russia because of its rich history, Nobel Prize winners, current socio-political configuration, or growing role in business and the energy sector, you can expect an engaging curriculum here at Sewanee. You’ll learn to speak, read, and write Russian. You’ll learn the country’s customs and its influence on dance, drama, film, literature, mathematics, music, and physics. You’ll even get to engage in cultural and conversational functions at the Russian House on campus.

FIRST DESTINATIONS: Russian MAJORS

Sewanee graduates secure positions in a variety of fields. Some you would expect, others, are a bit of a surprise. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first job.

  • Russianist, Language Link, Moscow, Russia.
  • Fund Accountant, Brown Brothers Harriman, Boston, MA.
  • Teaching Assistant, Institute for International Education/U.S. State Department, Washington, D.C.

A Sampling of Courses

Russian

Programs of Study

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Russian

Contact 

Mark Presler
Associate Professor of Russian and Department Chair

mpreslar@sewanee.edu

Gailor Hall 222, Ext. 1517

Connecting the Dots