Because of the great transformation of Asiatic Russia in recent years, and the rapid development of Alaska during the present war, the Pacific Northwest is so placed geographically that it should occupy a prominent place in the field of Russian studies in the years to come. Even before this war began, there was every indication here of increased interest in the Russian field, particularly as it pertained to the Far East.

Although, academically speaking, there were several desultory attempts to begin the study of Russian here in the Northwest at an earlier date, the permanent foundation of Russian studies was laid at the University of Washington in 1931 – significantly enough, the year the Japanese entered Manchuria. In the academic year 1931–1932, during the Winter and Spring Quarters, a course in Russian literature was offered in the English Department at the University. From the beginning it attracted a good enrollment. Since that time, including the Summer Session and Extension Service, in round figures, nearly 1000 students have taken Russian literature.