Teaching in Russia Without Leaving Athens, Georgia

For three years, Asen Kirin, Parker Curator of Russian Art at the Georgia Museum of Art at the University of Georgia, has co-taught a course in Russia without leaving Athens, Georgia. The course, titled “Russian Cultural Heritage - 1 (a Telecollaborative Course with UGA),” is taught at Moscow Institute of International Affairs (MGIMO University) by Dean of Cross-Cultural Studies Professor Valentina Ikonnikova. The museum’s collection of Russian art sparked the idea of Kirin helping to develop a course in Moscow. A colleague at MGIMO University reached out to Kirin because they thought there was an opportunity to present Russian history and culture to a Russian audience while discussing the perceptions of the art and culture in the United States. Kirin’s role is to provide an external point of view on the subject.

In the class, students discuss cultural translatability. Specifically, they are presented with works of art that have been introduced to American audiences, then examine the differences in how the art is viewed and interpreted by Americans. Kirin says that the students are excited to hear what has to be explained to the American audience.

While the course has been successful, there have been some challenges to overcome. The eight-hour time difference between Athens and Moscow requires Kirin to start his day very early, while students’ days end quite late. Because of this, only two or three sessions of the course are available throughout the semester. The class meets twice a week, and Kirin participates at either the beginning or end of the semester. His lectures are recorded so students can review them in the future.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university did not provide the full infrastructure to support online learning. Kirin recalls that it was nearly impossible to teach the course. He said, “The shutdown forced the university to introduce the software and the hardware for distance teaching. The only way I was able to teach before the shutdown was using my personal Skype accounts.”

Kirin worried about being able to relate to the students or understand their generation, but he says the experience has been delightful. He says, “They’re so thoughtful. Their questions and their participation in the discussion makes the whole experience really memorable and exciting.”

In addition to being the co-lecturer for the class in Moscow, Kirin teaches UGA undergraduate students enrolled in the Russian Flagship Program sponsored by the US Department of Defense. He also teaches classes in Late Antique, Byzantine and Russian art and architecture at the Lamar Dodd School of Art.

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