The Department of German and Russian Studies explores the interconnections between history, society, culture, and language within German- and Russian- speaking countries.
The department offers a German major, a German minor, and a Russian minor. In the German studies program, students will learn German and gain a full 360-degree view on German culture. In the Russian studies program, students will focus on the Russian language as well as gain insight into the region through a variety of cultural works, both in Russian and in translation.
Indya Childs, Academic Administrative Assistant
9 Andrews Road, Lewiston, ME 04240
Roger Williams
Phone: 1-207-786-8293
ichilds@bates.edu
Students from the German and Russian studies department are regularly awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistantships, prestigious national grants to live, work, and teach abroad for a year after graduation. Graduates go on to attend graduate school and embark on successful careers in a variety of fields, including international business and trade, government, law, and NGOs, as well as the arts, culture, and media.
of 2020-2024 language graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school
Back To Bates offers opportunities for visiting family members to attend classes on Friday afternoon. GER 101 – Intro German Language & Culture I This course, part of a yearlong sequence, introduces students to the German language and its cultural contexts. By emphasizing communicative skills, students learn to speak, build vocabulary, and develop their listening comprehension, reading, and writing skills. GER 101 is only offered in the fall semester. GER 101 is not open to students who have had two or more years of German in secondary school. Jakub Kazecki, Assistant Professor of German June Donenfeld, mother of Kiyona Mizuno ’18 of San Francisco (her daughter is not in the class) Christine Master in jean jacket with son Alex ’19 of Haddon Heights, N.J. Laurie Edson with gray/black dress and scar with son Tim Edson ’21 of Lexington, Mass.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 was an alarming turn after weeks of Russian military build-up along Ukraine’s borders and has been met with widespread condemnation. This crisis raises massive concerns for the safety and sovereignty of the people of Ukraine, but it also raises crucial questions about the relationship between the countries of the former Soviet Union and Europe and about the relationship between nationalism, national identity, and nations. A multidisciplinary panel of Bates faculty on Wednesday, March 9 at 4:15 pm in Pettengill G52 or on Zoom for a discussion of the military, political, and humanitarian conflicts surrounding the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. This panel brings together perspectives from across the humanities and social sciences as we explore what this conflict means for Ukraine, Europe, Russia, and the world. Panelists: Seated from left: Lecturer in Russian Cheryl Stephenson (GRS/EUS), Lecturer in Russian Marina Filipovic (GRS/EUS), Professor of Politics Jim Richter (Politics/EUS), and Associate Professor of Russian Dennis Browne (GRS/EUS). Moderated by Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology Benjamin Moodie (Sociology/EUS). Associate Professor of German Jakub Kazecki handled Zoom call and digital slides.
The Mount David Summit 2023 Panel: German Literature and Identity, Clayton Spencer listens as Erica Parker ’23 presents: “Feeling of BEing. Home” (Raluca Cernahoschi, German and Russian Studies)
The Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24 was an alarming turn after weeks of Russian military build-up along Ukraine’s borders and has been met with widespread condemnation. This crisis raises massive concerns for the safety and sovereignty of the people of Ukraine, but it also raises crucial questions about the relationship between the countries of the former Soviet Union and Europe and about the relationship between nationalism, national identity, and nations. A multidisciplinary panel of Bates faculty on Wednesday, March 9 at 4:15 pm in Pettengill G52 or on Zoom for a discussion of the military, political, and humanitarian conflicts surrounding the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. This panel brings together perspectives from across the humanities and social sciences as we explore what this conflict means for Ukraine, Europe, Russia, and the world. Panelists: Seated from left: Lecturer in Russian Cheryl Stephenson (GRS/EUS), Lecturer in Russian Marina Filipovic (GRS/EUS), Professor of Politics Jim Richter (Politics/EUS), and Associate Professor of Russian Dennis Browne (GRS/EUS). Moderated by Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology Benjamin Moodie (Sociology/EUS). Associate Professor of German Jakub Kazecki handled Zoom call and digital slides.
Admitted Students Reception on April 3, 2023, on Historic Quad, Alumni Walk, Gomes Chapel, and the Olin Arts Center, with Clayton Spence, Leigh Weisenburger, and JakubKazecki teaching a master class on Experience Berlin! Literature, Film, and Urban Landscape in Hathorn 100.
Jakub Kazecki, associate professor of German, teaches during his German Language and Culture course in Roger Hall on January 8, 2025. (Theophil Syslo | Bates College)
The German and Russian studies department offers a highly personalized academic approach, featuring small, engaging classes and one-on-one mentorship with faculty. The department is for everyone, regardless of prior language experience. Students new to these languages start in introductory courses, while those with previous knowledge will be placed at the appropriate level. In addition, students have the opportunity to study abroad and can apply for summer research assistantships, where they will work directly with faculty.
The faculty works closely with students to provide an individualized experience that aligns with students’ specific interests. Faculty members have a wide range of specialties, including 19th through 21st century German and East-Central European literatures and culture, German-Polish relationships through the lens of border studies, socialist realism, and the Soviet history of science.
In the Student Center for Belonging and Community, first-generation Bates students mentor their younger peers, providing guidance on everything from academics to internships to social life.
Bates is embarking on a $45 million project to update two key athletic facilities and construct a new fitness and well-being center. A gift of $10 million from Jon W. Brayshaw ’90, P’25 and Jocelyn Stoddard Brayshaw ’88, P’25 has brought the college a vital step closer to construction. The new facility will be named the Stoddard Fitness and Well-Being Center.
February on campus saw sports successes, several large snowfalls, and our annual Winter Carnival — a week of events celebrating the joys of the chilly season.
