THE NEWSLETTER / SEPTEMBER 2008       Site map

15.09.2008 The SRAS Newsletter A Resource for Students, Educators, and Anyone Curious about Russia Vladimir Putin shakes hands with South  Ossetian leader Eduard Kokity during their meeting in Sochi on September 11, 2008. Welcome from SRAS! Russia is making headlines again as passionate commentators fill the airwaves and newspapers with opinions about what the recent events in the Caucasus mean and how they should be dealt with. This month's SRAS Newsletter is focused on those events as well - with information and opinion from all sides of the conflict. We've gathered detailed chronologies, official quotes from Russian, US, and Georgian leaders, some commentary from academic sources, and a special obzor that covers some of the major issues you may not be aware of yet. We've even devoted this month's Russian Mini-Lesson to terms and issues surrounding the conflict. As this is our big-back-to-school edition, there's also lots of other information on subjects ranging from Russian opposition politics, to the history and current state of several Russian cities, and even a bit about the latest Russian fashions now on sale in America. If you have views or material you would like to contribute to the newsletter, please contact us. To subscribe to this free newsletter, send an email with "Subscribe SRAS" in the subject field to jwilson@sras.org. News and Announcements Its already time to start thinking about Spring 2009! The application deadline for most of our spring study abroad programs is October 15th! The deadline for applying for the SRAS Research Abroad Grant has been extended to September 22nd. Deadlines for the Charles Braver Language Exploration Grant and the SRAS Work Study Program are both set at October 15th, 2008. Get your applications in today!  TeachRussian.org is a new, web-based resource providing instant access to high quality teaching materials. Abimperio has launched a new website designed to bring together scholars working on empire and nationalism studies. ResearchGATE is a new facebook-esque networking site for scientific researchers. The NY Public Library has closed its Slavic and Baltic Reading Room. The collections are still available. A new White Paper on Character Set Standardization for Early Cyrillic Writing after Unicode 5.1 has been produced. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Обзоры: Learn About Russia and Eurasia through the News These news reviews strive to paint an accurate and balanced picture of life in Russia and to deliver information on important events affecting Eurasia that do not receive heavy coverage in the Western news. Russian Society South Park may be banned; Russia is 3rd overall at Olympics.                                                               How the News is Reported in Russia A look at how major channels covered major events.                                            Eurasia - News from Central Asia and Eastern Europe Possible repercussions of South Ossetia in Moldova and Armenia.                                                                    Russian Business and Economy Will be published in about one week as part of the USRCCNE newsletter (free subscriptions at www.usrccne.org).                                                                     Foreign Policy Border with China finalized; islands still in debate with Japan; analysis and opinion on post August-8th relations. Russia-Related events in: UK; CO; DC, 2; HI, 2; MA; NY, 2; OT More Cultural Events in the US!  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ South Ossetia Obzor This special edition obzor examines the issues surrounding the conflict in the Caucasus, its origin, and its significance. Chronologies of the Caucasus Conflict One of the most important aspects to understanding any historical event is understanding the chronology that underlies it. Statements by Leaders We've gathered together many of the major quotes given by American, Russian, and Georgian leaders. Russia and the Conflict in Georgia (pdf) This issue of the Russian Analytical Digest presents articles about the August fighting in the Caucasus. Russia's War in Georgia (pdf) A policy paper published by the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program Joint Center. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Russian Far East Program This revamped program, now available in Vladivostok and Khabarovsk, places you in one of the least understood yet vital portions of Russia's vast expanse. Russian Studies Program We've redesigned this program in component pieces. Start with a program core of language study and then add subject classes, an internship, directed study, and more to build the program you want - and can afford! Scholarships and Grants An updated list of current Russia-related scholarship cycles. SRAS has many more programs. Click here! Calculating a Student Budget Many students ask the question, "How much money should I bring to Russia?" The answer, of course, depends on several variables and your habits. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The World According to Zhirinovsky This is the third and final installment of our translation of the 2007 manifesto of Vladimir Zhirinovsky, leader of Russia's LDPR party. Political Exiles Russia is currently in second place (behind only Iraq) on the UN's list of top sources for people requesting political asylum in other countries. Who are Russia's exiles? Transcript of the Valdai Club Meeting The Valdai Discussion Club gives foreign media and experts the chance to ask questions of the Russian president in a marathon discussion session. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Vladivostok Vladivostok was the culmination of a long Russian drive to establish a naval presence on the Pacific. Its port is still used by Russian Navy, by merchants from all over the globe, and by the US Navy. Irkutsk  Long a place associated with Siberian exiles, Irkutsk is now striving to become a major transport hub and tourist destination.   St. Petersburg Student Guide   Our fully-updated student guide to St. Pete. Now with more information on affordable eating options, everyday needs, church services, theatres and more!  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Русский стиль! - Russian Style! It seem owning businesses in America has become fashionable in Russia in the truest sense of the word. Russian Podcasts  The Library entry of Language Resources for students of Russian has been updated with an expanded and reorganized Audio/Visual section. Южная Осетия - South Ossetia This month's mini-lesson Russia focuses on Russian terms frequently in the Russian news today.  « back to newsletters archive print this page email this page