The Russian Program at Tulane, housed within the Department of Comparative Literature, offers students an interdisciplinary and globally engaged approach to the study of Russian language, literature, and culture. In addition to building communicative proficiency in Russian, our curriculum emphasizes critical engagement with the region’s diverse histories, ethnic identities, and artistic traditions. Courses examine major literary and cinematic works in their cultural and historical contexts, while also addressing pressing contemporary issues such as authoritarianism, war, resistance, decolonization, and the politics of memory.
Our program encourages students to explore Russia not in isolation, but as part of a broader Eurasian space shaped by imperial legacies and post-Soviet transformations. Special attention is given to voices from the North and South Caucasus, Ukraine, Central Asia, and other underrepresented communities. Through language study, cultural analysis, and experiential learning, students gain the tools to think critically about the past and present of the Russian-speaking world—and its global relevance today.
Russian majors and minors at Tulane develop a strong foundation in intercultural communication, critical thinking, and analytical writing—skills that are highly valued across a wide range of professions. Through close engagement with primary texts, historical inquiry, and contemporary cultural analysis, students learn to navigate complex global issues with nuance and insight. Many students pair Russian with fields such as Political Science, International Relations, History, Public Health, and Environmental Studies, preparing for careers in government, law, journalism, education, global health, and international development. Our graduates have gone on to pursue advanced degrees in Slavic studies, area studies, and public policy, as well as work in NGOs, think tanks, and cultural organizations focused on Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
Meet Our Faculty
Prof. William Brumfield, Spring 2025
Professor William Brumfield is a renowned scholar of Russian architecture and cultural history. At Tulane, he shares his passion for Russia’s rich architectural heritage with students through engaging courses and lectures. An accomplished photographer and author of numerous books, Prof. Brumfield has spent decades documenting historic churches, monasteries, and cities across Russia. His photographs are preserved at the Library of Congress, offering a unique visual record of the country’s cultural treasures. Brumfield is the author and editor of numerous books, including A History of Russian Architecture and Architecture at the End of the Earth, and has curated photographic exhibitions worldwide.
Prof. Lidia Zhigunova, Spring 2025
Professor Lidia Zhigunova is a Senior Professor of Practice and Director of the Russian Studies Program in Tulane’s Department of Comparative Literature. Her teaching and research focus on Russian, Soviet, and post-Soviet literature and culture, with a special emphasis on the Caucasus, indigenous identities, and postcolonial studies. She is the co-editor of the forthcoming volume Beyond Borders: Teaching and Reading the Caucasus Across Texts and Contexts and the author of numerous scholarly works on Circassian history, language, and representation. At Tulane, Prof. Zhigunova is dedicated to creating an inclusive and globally engaged curriculum, organizing lectures, panels, and cultural events that connect students with current issues in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.