Frederick Community College will host presentations by Russian scholars next week as part of its growing partnership with Saint Petersburg State University.

Dr. Nina Eduardovna Adamova and Professor Vladimir Nikolayevich Baryshnikov will give presentations on Tuesday, Jan. 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. in H-249, on the second floor of the Student Center.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is intended to give the College and its community the chance to interact with Russian scholars and learn from their perspectives. 

Dr. Adamova, a lecturer in the Modern History Department, will speak on her research of American Exceptionalism. She will specifically discuss imagery of John Winthrop’s “city upon a hill,” speech, its meaning to the New England Puritans, and how that meaning has evolved throughout American history.

Professor Baryshnikov, chair of the Department of Modern and Contemporary History of the Institute of History, specializes in 1920s and 1930s international relations and World War II, a topic on which he has written 11 books. He will discuss the Siege of Leningrad of 1941-1944 from the view of Alexander Werth, an American journalist who covered the siege.

“Diversity is a priority at our College, and this is a great opportunity for our students, faculty, and the community to get exposure to new ideas and have contact with people from other cultures,” Dr. Michael Powell, Department Chair for Social Sciences, said. “Dr. Adamova and Professor Baryshnikov will offer perspectives and a different view that we as Americans don’t traditionally think of, so it will challenge the way we look at the world and historical events.”

After the presentations, audience members will have the chance to ask questions and speak with the presenters.

The scholar presentations are a new addition to the yearly America Abroad program, when Russian sociology students visit the U.S. for a two-week trip sponsored by FCC.

This year, the group of Russian students arrived in the U.S. on Jan. 7 and will be here until Jan. 21. During their visit, they spend time at FCC and take tours of Frederick County, Baltimore, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. Students also learn about social issues in the U.S. and visit food pantries, nursing homes, and other local social service providers. The students stay with host families in the Frederick area. They will be present at the Jan. 17 event.

The FCC partnership with Saint Petersburg State University has grown over the last 12 years, and also includes a trip to Russia for FCC students, led by Dr. Marshall Botkin.

FCC has also recently partnered with Kuban State University, another top university in Russia, to strengthen exchange programs and other collaborative learning opportunities.

For more information on the Jan. 17 presentation, contact Dr. Michael Powell at 301.846.2571.