New humanities minor increases familiarity with Russian culture

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences continues to expand its collection of diverse learning pathways by offering a new minor in Russian Studies.

Courses began this fall and are designed to familiarize students with Russian culture. The Russian minor will offer students an inside view of Russian politics, media, language, and history.

“UVU is looking at the job market of the near future and developing academic programs that provide global competencies,” Kathren Brown, Assistant Vice-President for Academic Administration, said. “Russia has a large economy that drastically influences global markets. A certain level of cultural fluency in Russian prepares UVU students for international career opportunities.”

Russia is home to the world’s fifth most spoken language and is known as the largest economy in Europe. Business in Russia has seen an increase in the past year due to Russia joining the World Trade Organization in 2012.

“Russia’s membership will facilitate investment and trade, help to accelerate the modernization of the Russian economy and offer plenty of business opportunities for both Russian and European companies,” Karel De Gucht, trade commissioner for the European Union in an interview for the L.A. Times, said.

Russia’s membership of the World Trade Organization is expected to increase job oppertunities, which makes a minor in Russian Studies a strong compliment to many areas of study. Students studying  History, Literature, Linguistics, Political Science and International Business are strongly encouraged to consider the Russian Studies minor.

“The issue is no longer ‘can you speak the language with some proficiency?’” Frederick White, Associate Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, said. “We are now talking about global competencies that include some language facility, but more than ever, concentrate on an individual’s ability to function in a foreign society, which includes an awareness of their history, their culture, how they conduct themselves in business and in personal relationships. This minor was organized with many of these competencies in mind.”

The Russian Studies minor provides students with the opportunity to become closer to Russian culture and history. Russia’s growing economy is also projected to increase foreign job opportunities, and Russian employers will be looking for students with a background education of Russia. 

Students interested in the Russian Studies minor can make an appointment with the academic advisor, Lynne Hetzel.