The University of Chicago’s program at Smolny College in St. Petersburg, Russia provides Chicago students with an opportunity to take both language and disciplinary courses in one of Russia’s culturally richest cities, the historic nexus of cultural encounters between Russia and the West. This program grows out of the University of Chicago’s affiliation with Bard College, which has joined with St. Petersburg State University to create Smolny College as the first liberal arts college in Russia. Because most students at Smolny are Russian (earning a joint BA from Bard and St. Petersburg State University) participants will be in a unique Russian liberal arts environment.
Students may participate in this program for the full academic year or for either of its two semesters. Each semester begins with an intensive two-week course in Russian as a Second Language (RSL) and continues with courses in various subjects (as well as continuing Russian language). The subject-oriented courses—in history, literature, music, philosophy and so forth—are open to both Russian and American students, and some will be taught in Russian. The RSL courses are staffed by faculty who have extensive experience teaching American students and are familiar with American teaching methods. Smolny College also offers a Summer term intensive language course which students are encouraged to take as preparation for the coming academic year.
