Russianorthodoxculture · Slavic Languages
An understanding of traditional Russian Orthodoxy, a grasp of the schism that caused the Old Believers to separate, and continuing invocations of the ROC by Putin and other Russian leaders. Moreover, I learned a lot about Russian history in general, especially from the 19th to the 20th centuries.
This was a phenomenal class that gave me a different perspective on Russia as a whole, one that went beyond descriptions and narratives. The content covered presented Russia from a whole different angle than the typical one employed by mainstream academics like Richard Pipes or Anne Applebaum. The knowledge I gained in this course I will undoubtedly utilize as I continue to study Russia.
I did recommend this course to some friends already 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2024 Course: RUSSGR6142_001_2024_1-RUSSIANORTHODOXCULTURE : Russian Orthodox Culture- RUSSGR6142_001_2024_1 - RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CULTURE Instructor: Valentina Izmirlieva
Prof. Izmirlieva was able to connect different events from historical events from a millennium ago to current geopolitical events today. Her perspectives were unique and well constructed.
This course is a total revelation! I had basically a blank slate of knowledge going in and I kid you not, this course answered ALL the questions I had about the ROC and then some.
This course showed me that Russian Orthodoxy is not just a religion, but a tool of cultural and political power. I learned how ideas like “Third Rome” and “Second Jerusalem” shape national identity and state ideology. It also sharpened my skills in reading religious history critically — asking how myths, saints, and relics are used to legitimize authority.
In this course, I learned foundations of Russian Orthodox Christianity and its history, with a focus on church-state relations. This was a very insightful course, given how Orthodoxy is part of Russian national identity. Also, in Putin's Russia, the Russian Orthodox Church is a close ally. It was equally engaging to learn how to analyze icons, saints, and rituals. I do not consider myself a religious person, so this course was very informative to me.
This was one of the most fascinating classes that I took at Columbia University.
Come for the saints, stay for the state propaganda. This course will change how you see both relics and real estate. It blends deep historical insight with sharp cultural analysis, and Professor Izmirlieva creates an atmosphere where critical and creative thinking is not just encouraged -- it’s required!
I do not really have any recommendations, except that perhaps having a separate lecture on the Russia-Ukraine War and the ROC's role in it could be a nice additional touch. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2025 Course: RUSSGR6142_001_2025_1-RUSSIANORTHODOXCULTURE : RUSSGR6142_001_2025_1 - RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CULTURE Instructor: Valentina Izmirlieva