Social Studies Degrees

Department of Russian Studies

The department offers a broad variety of courses in Russian language, literature, film, politics, history, and society.

In addition to the three faculty members in Russian studies, we work actively with Russia-oriented faculty in the departments of history, anthropology, and political science.

Two of our professors hold joint appointments in Jewish studies and film and media studies. Because of this range, our students have been able to study, and do honors work, in many disciplines.

Russian concentrators do serious language study along with critical analyses of Russian politics and culture. Most of our students study abroad.

Our intermediate language courses make extensive use of film to break out of textbook mode (our approach entails a computer program developed at Colgate). Later courses emphasize reading as well as communicative competence.

The Colby experience is challenging and uplifting, enlightening and provocative, dynamic and focused.
It is relationships between professors and students that transform both. It fosters intellectual and personal growth, with graduates emerging as conscientious, committed leaders ready to make a profound impact on their world.
A Colby education is distinctly inspired.
Railroad Square Cinema offers a venue for screening alternative films that don’t show up in chain cinemas. Students count on Railroad’s selections to be eclectic, funky, and diverse. They also sell unconventional snacks (like gourmet chocolate) and have a rotating display of local art in the lobby.
Green Grad Vid

Commencement 2008 marked Colby’s first Green Graduation, complete with cups and utensils made from biodegradable materials and lots of other sustainability measures.

History

History, the most comprehensive of the liberal arts, covers just about everything: art and ideas, technology and religions, politics and putting food on the table. Every human endeavor has a history and, as a history student, you have the opportunity to study all of these ideas and more as they’ve unfolded around the globe and over time.

History is about the past, but it is more than the dusty record of events written in books. History is about ideas and arguments; it is about how we know what we do and about analyzing the evidence of what happened in the past in order to understand it, both on its own terms and as a guide to comprehending where we find ourselves today, as people of different backgrounds, races, sexes, and identities. While historians do concern themselves with questions of who and when and where, they also love the question why?: What motivated people to do what they did? How can we make sense of the connections between various influences, ideas, and people? In other words, studying history at Coe is much more than names and dates—it is about understanding human beings, indeed, understanding ourselves, through time and across space. The study of history is truly one of the most exciting areas of inquiry that you can choose, and it is a wonderful major or minor at Coe.

In the Coe History Department, you get the opportunity to study history broadly, while also focusing on your specific interests. The classes are small and lively, with plenty of opportunities to know your professors and peers. You’ll learn to read and you’ll learn to think. You’ll learn how to make connections and you’ll learn how to express yourself, both orally and in writing. And after an exciting four years in college, you’ll also be ready to make your future, prepared in the liberal arts tradition to learn quickly, communicate clearly, and build a rewarding career and life in whatever field you choose.