The Russian Studies department at Luther College is a very diverse and active organization. This year, Russian Ambassador to the United States Yuli Vorontsov came to Luther as a part of the Farwell Endowed Lecture Series to speak on Russian-American relations after the Cold War. In addition, Luther is proud to have Karel Konecny, a Fulbright Scholar from the Czech Republic, here to teach courses on Eastern European History. Russian students at Luther are also given great opportunities to experience Russia for themselves. In the summer of 1997, the Nordic Choir performed with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra in concerts in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and other cities in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Students also gain an appreciation for Russian architecture and art.
Courses offered in Philosophy, History and Religion cover all aspects of Russian culture, including Russian Orthodoxy, the politics and social policies of the Soviet Union, and the history of Russia and the former Soviet Union. Russian entertainment groups, including such well-known ethnic musicians as Bibs Ekel and dancers like Tsiganka have graced the stage of the Center for Faith and Life. The Russian Studies minor is intended to provide students with sufficient background in Russian language and culture to permit consideration of graduate work in related fields. It is also intended to prepare students in such diverse fields as economics, business, the sciences, education, or in any other major, to enter their vocation prepared to contribute to decisions and issues which relate to Russian-American interactions. The Russian Studies minor may be taken in conjunction with any major of the student's choice.