Hillsdale will delve into Russia’s past and present, with talks ranging from Fyodor Dostoevsky to Vladimir Putin, in its first Center for Constructive Alternatives of the school year from Oct. 2-5.
Matt Bell, executive director of programs for external affairs, said studying Russian history and tradition is essential to contextualizing the actions of modern Russia.
“Today, we hear some imprudently advocate for war with Russia by proxy or otherwise,” he said. “In order to act with prudence in these vital matters, it is important that we understand Russia and the Russian people as they understand themselves — something we used to do but don’t see much of in popular media or politics today.”
Bell said he anticipates more than 700 guests, including more than 160 Hillsdale students.
On Sunday, Sean McMeekin of Bard College and author Stephen Kotkin will present an overview of Russian history. On Monday, Gary Saul Morson of Northwestern University and concert pianist Hyperion Knight will highlight Russia’s literary and musical legacy. On Tuesday, Michael Millerman of Millerman School and Christopher Caldwell of the Claremont Institute will discuss current Russian politics and foreign policy. The CCA will conclude Wednesday, Oct. 5 with a faculty roundtable.
Freshman Luka Stanic said he is interested in attending the CCA because of his Orthodox upbringing and ethnic ties to the Balkan region.
“We as Americans have a way of looking at things that have been shaped by our nation’s history and cultural aspects,” Stanic said. “We seem to forget that a lot of other countries have their own histories that whave shaped their views. The American involvement in Ukraine and Russia may be made from a half-understood perspective on our part.”
Stanic said he looks forward to gaining a more nuanced understanding and appreciation of Russia through the CCA.
The CCA cannot hope to cover all that Russia is and has been but aims to awaken wonder and passion in attendees, according to Bell.
“Russian history and cultural contributions are enough to occupy a lifetime of study and more,” Bell said.