How does language influence politics, culture, and art in modern Kazakhstan? Read Matthew Lichtenberger's intriguing and insightful essay on the history of the Kazakh language. Written as part of coursework for RSSS 195 with instructor Zura Dotton, Matthew analyzes the politics of language and identity in Kazakh culture. Many thanks to Matthew for sharing his essay with the campus community! 

Undergraduate Advisor in Russian, Prof. Suzanne Thompson Eanes has been named the COH Distinguished Advisor/Mentor for 2015. Students wrote wonderful letters in support of her nominations attesting to every wonderful quality in an advisor/menotr that our students would need and want,
Talents for teaching, advising, and mentoring – all aspects of the education endeavor- mesh beautifully in Suzanne Thompson Eanes.

Here are some of our current students' testimonials to her excellence:

“ … I have been pushed to be the best I can be, have been shown fairness, equality, and most importantly kindness. I am a Russian language major and have found a home and a family in the Russian department because of Mrs. Eanes. … Mrs. Eanes’ door is always open to anyone who needs help with school or just needs someone to listen or talk with them.”

 “She asked me why I wanted to pursue such a degree [Russian] and I explained to her my introduction to the culture by my extensive history with ballet. She immediately lit up and asked me about my former ballerina years and went as far as to put another former ballerina in my contact. … [M]y high school impression of advisors has never put the idea into my head that they would be so ready to be involved in one’s life and learning.”    

 “I have always harbored doubt when considering the humanities for any kind of career … However, Professor Eanes has introduced me to many possibilities throughout the past year in terms of career options … I have experienced a change within myself as my academic focus shifts from hard-science based to a more refined and balanced mixture of the humanities and sciences. …Without her as an advisor, mentor, and role model, I would not be a student in the College of Humanities.”

 “I have attended schools all across the country, and had the opportunity to learn from remarkable professions. … [But] not one of them could hold a candle to Mrs. Eanes. Her teaching style is strong and consistent, while her honest and attentive character shine through in her ability to help and to advise the students in her life.”

RSSS offers courses in Pre-session, Summer I and Summer II.

Summer Pre-Session (May 18 – June 1):

RSSS 315 – Werewolves and Vampires: Slavic Folklore in our Culture
9:00-11:50, M-F, Psych 304, Teresa Polowy
 

Summer Session I (June 8 – July 9):

RSSS 101A – Elementary Russian I
9:00-10:45, M-F, Psych 304, Aleksey Novikov

RSSS 201A – Intermediate Russian I
1:00-2:45, M-F, Psych 304, Anna Vozna

RSSS 160C1 – Russia: From Empire to Federation
11:00-12:45, M-F, Psych 304, Lydia Anderson
 

Summer Session II (July 13 – August 12)

RSSS 101B – Elementary Russian II
9:00-11:50, M-F, Psych 304, Aleksey Novikov

RSSS201B – Intermediate Russian II
1:00-2:45, M-F Psych 304,, Veronika Williams

RSSS 315 – Werewolves and Vampires: Slavic Folklore in our Culture
11:00-12:45, M-F, Psych 304, Lydia Anderson.

RSSS 340 – Accursed Questions: Russian Writers and Society, 1825-1904
Online, Yuliana Gunn 

The University of Arizona’s School of International Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SILLC), Eller College of Management, School of Journalism, and School of Government and Public Policy share a strong commitment to educating future leaders of the new global economy in a world that increasingly requires the highest level of intercultural competence.

The Professional MA in Russian is a course of study that allows students to complete an emphasis in one of the following areas:

1. Business Management
2. Management Information Systems
3. Marketing
4. Journalism
5. Collaborative Governance

There is an increasing and strong demand for business professionals who keep humanity in mind and for citizens who are educated in the broadest sense possible so that they can participate in their own governance and engage with the world. Industries and organizations need an adaptable and creative workforce; experts equipped with the cultural understanding, knowledge of social dynamics, and language proficiency to lead our economy and institutions through complex global situations. (Adapted from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences’ report “The Heart of the Matter,” 2013)

Employers confirm that the following skills taught in the Professional MA in Russian are in high demand in all industries:

• The experience and ability to adapt and function in unfamiliar environments and new situations;
• The ability to communicate well with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds;
• The ability to negotiate difficult/abstract tasks with an acute sense of initiative and creativity;
• The ability to analyze, evaluate, and assess cultural differences in professional settings;
• Heightened ability to apply the skills of critical thinking, reading, writing, and synthesizing information.

Graduates who combine Russian with a professional discipline are successfully employed in all fields.

Campus Life: Whatever your interests and hobbies, you will find plenty to do right here on campus! As a member of the Pacific 12 athletic conference, we host NCAA I games and competitions in a variety of sports. The University of Arizona also offers an abundance of clubs, film series, lectures, concerts (for example, UA Presents), and other cultural events and activities – it is virtually impossible to find a day when there is “nothing to do”! And because our campus is relatively compact and centralized, almost all the University museums, libraries, restaurants, stadiums, theaters, and lecture halls are within easy walking or biking distance of our Department.
Diversity at UA

Location: Tucson is a vibrant city of 550,000 people with a metropolitan area of more than a million residents – yet many students will tell you that it has a small-town atmosphere. Vestiges of Spanish colonial architecture from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and legends of Wild West cowboys who once graced our streets, at once contribute to the region’s colorful history and make the “Old Pueblo” an intriguing town to explore. For those who enjoy the arts, we have a variety of dance and theatre companies, both professional and amateur orchestras, and regular performances throughout the year by well-known artists and touring companies (for just a sample, see Broadway in Tucson or the Tucson Convention Center’s Event Calendar). Tucson also offers year-round sunshine, palm trees, affordable living, and incredible possibilities for weekend excursions to destinations like Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and the beaches of Mexico and San Diego!Program Cost: Students in this program are not eligible for GATships.

How to Apply: Interested candidates for admission to our program should explore the Graduate College website, contact us with any questions they may have, and then fill out the online application if they feel that our programs are well-suited to their interests and qualifications. Although we continue to consider applications until March 14, prospective students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

Resources:
MLA Links to Humanities Marketability

The Heart of the Matter. The Humanities and Social Sciences. For a Vibrant, Competitive, and Secure Nation

Humanities Graduates and the Economy

Humanities Matter