Russian Far East program

The Russian Far East Study course is an overview of the history of the Russian Far East, its economic, geographical situation and current importance as a transport hub with substantial natural resources, unique local politics and demographics. Students examine and analyze Russia’s foreign policies and relations with China, Japan and Korea.

Course objectives: Participants gain a greater understanding of the challenges posed by the sheer geographic size of Russia and how the distance from the more European capital of Moscow and proximity of the Asian powerhouses influences local politics and economic development.

Course outline:

1. Russia’s Far Eastern Federal District. Federal Subjects (Geographic Features, Territory, Natural Resources, Infrastructure, Cities, etc.);
2. History (Russian Explorers, Early History, Religion and Interfaith Dialogue etc.);
3. Demographics (Population, Traditional Ethnic Groups, Indigenous Peoples of the Far East, etc.);
4. Education (System of education in Russia; Educational Institutions of the Far East; etc.);
5. Traditions and Customs (Family Traditions; Holidays; etc.);
6. Industry, Economy, and Environment;
7. Regional policies and relations with Moscow; Russian-American cooperation in the Far East and Asian-Pacific Region; RFE and China, Japan and Korea.
8. Round-table discussions (with the students and guest speakers as well). Each student should present four policy briefs over the course of the semester. This assignment is meant to encourage them to understand the practical applications of what they see, learn, experience while in the RFE program.

Course duration: Fall and spring semesters – 56 academic hours, summer semester – 28 academic hours.

Course tuition fee:

• Fall / spring semester – 65 000 roubles per semester (56 hours)

Period of studies:

56 hours course: September – December (fall semester), February - May (spring semester).

28 hours course: June

Excursions class sessions: The course incorporates excursions intended to provide better understanding of the material studied. These may include the Vladimir K. Arsenyev Regional Museum, the Vladivostok Fortress Museum, The Museum of History, Archeology and Ethnography of the RFE People, Automobile plant “Sollers”, Int. Co. “Coca-Cola”, Local Libraries of the city.

Lecturers: The lecturers are highly qualified professors holding PHD degrees who possess deep knowledge of the history, economy, and politics of the Russian Far East. Their interests range from the World History and International Relations to the role of Russia in the Asia-Pacific region and its future prospects.

“I really like the Russian Far East course and think it has added greatly to my experience studying abroad. The professors and doctors of science for the course are all excellent. They each come from a very different background and so have differing and very interesting perspectives to the Russian Far East. I’d like to thank the teachers and managers of this course”. Zoe Tobin, University of Denver, USA.