2005 Outstanding Alumnus Kurt Harper, Professor Clowes
Celebration of Joseph Conrad Collection Galina Conrad, Belinda J. Schuman, Professor Marc Greenberg, Karla Conrad
New Colleague
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of the spiritual aspect of Christ’s teachings). I believe that each of those concepts is inherently connected to the concept of fame, as they address social and ethical issues of recognition, bearing witness, understanding one’s place in the world, presentation of self and perception of others, and the value of one’s deeds. As a result of the interconnectedness of religion and culture in Russia, Russian literature emphasizes faith over reason, intention over result, spiritual redemption over good acts, and, consequently, relatively less emphasis on the external—on appearance and social values, which are the building blocks of fame. We see this contrast in the religious and cultural status of the holy fool, the celebration of outward humiliation and inner glory, the perception of the earthly realm as temporary and even unreal compared to the heavenly realm, the Orthodox monk’s conflict over how best
to serve God—through selfless action or quiet contemplation—and the silent icon that is truly seen with the heart rather than the eye. LC: Nationwide interest in Russian declined after 1991. How do you see the future of Russian study in the US? KS: I strongly believe that Russian language and culture have an important role to play in U.S. colleges and universities. Every day I see students learning more about themselves and the world as a whole through the medium of language learning. In order to ensure a position of importance in higher education, Russian studies will have to maintain and expand its place in interdisciplinary studies. I support this approach and look forward to playing a more active role in making it happen. At the same time, however, the value of spending even one semester concentrating specifically on a period of Russian literature should not be underestimated. 6
It may introduce you to interests you never knew you had! LC: What is your favorite spot (or spots) in Russia? KS: I feel most connected to Moscow. I lived there for a year and therefore have memories of friends, events, and holidays that are all very much rooted in the city. In 1992 I had the opportunity to see Lake Baikal in the early winter, and to this day it is the most beautiful place I have ever been. I have taken short trips to Petersburg, but would love to get to know that region better. LC: What do you like to do when you aren’t doing Russian? Hobbies, pastimes? KS: Cycling, yoga, reading non-scholarly Russian detective novels. Right now, with finishing my dissertation, I have only a vague memory of enjoying these things!