Undergraduate Programs

Why Study Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies?

Covering more than one sixth of the earth’s surface, Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia are and have been central to almost every aspect of human history—from art and culture to politics and science. Through a regional specialization in the Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (REEES) program, students gain new and crucial perspectives for understanding the world and ourselves.  

It is a time of change and growth for REEES. Our program is expanding and offering more coursework on Central and Eastern European and Eurasian topics, regional Jewish histories and their diasporas, and Ukrainian and Yiddish language courses. REEES students have many opportunities to expand their skills, whether by playing a part in our bilingual play, improving proficiency in the Russian Language Circle, or exploring cultural traditions with REEES club.


Students in a group

Major in REEES

Our program is a gateway to a world of knowledge and experience, from the classics of Russian literature to contemporary Russian cinema, from Klezmer and Balkan culture to the history of the Soviet Union, the Holocaust, and the Cold War; from nomadic art of Central Asia to Yiddish revolutionary thought; and from the diverse regional histories of socialism to the post-socialist shock therapy and its present-day ramifications in the region and beyond. REEES covers a wide array of subjects, allowing you to choose an emphasis in humanities or social sciences.

Whether your interest in Russia, Eastern Europe, or Eurasia has roots in the literature of Fyodor Dostoevsky or Anna Akhmatova, Sholem Aleichem or Taras Shevchenko, whether it stems from a fascination with the Soviet avant-garde, Islamic architecture in Central Asia, the LGBTQ+ art scene in Poland, feminist activists Pussy Riot in Russia, or Eastern European Jewish Americans—there is a place for you in REEES. 


REEES student Emris Kissel

Leadership in REEES

"My participation in activities such as REEES Club leader gave me the opportunity to further interact with faculty and fellow students. It has also offered a deeper understanding of some cultural aspects and practices of the nations included in REEES. I could not be more grateful for the opportunities REEES gave me."

—Emris Kissel, REEES and anthropology major, '23, ACTR Post Secondary Russian Scholar Laureate

 


Honors in REEES

Graduate with honors and gain a competitive edge in your chosen career field. Honors students obtain valuable experience designing, carrying out, and writing up a substantial project for their senior honors thesis.


Lecture in class full of students

Learn to Speak Russian

Russian is a fascinating language of global and regional importance. Learn about our language courses and how we support heritage speakers.


Students in costume on stage

Get Real-World Experience

Enrich your academic experience and extend your learning beyond the classroom by studying abroad, interning in in a Slavic-speaking country, or participating in one of the many films, lectures, plays, musical performances, and cultural festivals we sponsor.


Students working in a lab in Latvia

What You Can Do with a Degree in REEES

REEES students learn about culture, but the learning doesn’t stop there. Through classes, students gain skills in critical thinking and analysis, policy development, public outreach, and cross-cultural collaboration. A bachelor of arts from REEES  provides students with the ability to work in a number of settings from NGOs to the UN, from research institutes to public interest groups, and from law firms to colleges.


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with an advisor and get your questions answered. 

Departmental Advising and Support

Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding through the College of Arts and Sciences.

CAS Scholarships


Events

Mastering the Art of a Humanities & Social Science Poster
Apr7
Mastering the Art of a Humanities & Social Science Poster Apr 7
Department of History Coffee Hour
Apr8
Department of History Coffee Hour Apr 8 McKenzie Hall
Dept. of History Pierson Lecture: "Trans Berlin: The World's First Trans Politics, Berlin's Queer Golden Age, and the Rise of Fascism, 1918-1933"
Apr8
Dept. of History Pierson Lecture: "Trans Berlin: The World's First Trans Politics, Berlin's Queer Golden Age, and the Rise of Fascism, 1918-1933" Apr 8 Gerlinger Hall
Creative Writing Program Presents: Screening of RULE BREAKERS and Q&A
Apr8
Creative Writing Program Presents: Screening of RULE BREAKERS and Q&A Apr 8 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Apr9
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Apr 9 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
The Transition from Grad School to Postdoc
Apr10
The Transition from Grad School to Postdoc Apr 10
Cinema Studies Presents: “Evolving Animation Through its Long, Lost Past: An Artist Talk with Eric Dyer”
Apr10
Cinema Studies Presents: “Evolving Animation Through its Long, Lost Past: An Artist Talk with Eric Dyer” Apr 10 Gerlinger Hall
Curious about Job & Internship Search Strategies (Workshop)
Apr10
Curious about Job & Internship Search Strategies (Workshop) Apr 10 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Career Tour-Healthcare
Apr11
Career Tour-Healthcare Apr 11 Matthew Knight Arena
Curious about Interviewing (Workshop)
Apr11
Curious about Interviewing (Workshop) Apr 11 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall