This is the introduction to a SEEB series organized by Ani Kokobobo, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures at the University of Kansas.

A funny thing happened to Eliot Borenstein while he was writing his book on conspiracy theory and contemporary Russia: my obscure little corner of Russian cultural studies suddenly threatened to become relevant.

Preparing 21st-century learners with the skills to use Russian in a variety of social and rhetorical settings in which they can communicate meaning effectively requires a self study of existing language programs. Thomas Jesús Garza shares his methods.

Except Princess Olga, Elizabeth, and Catherine II, there were few women discussed in the Russian civilization and culture course that Rachel Stauffer taught. There was little discussion of gender, race, ethnicity, and social class in Russia’s artistic, literary, and cultural history. In light of recent events, she has decided that she can no longer continue to teach this course without devoting more time to these topics.