This intensive, interdisciplinary one-credit course explores how current thematic factors interact to influence Russia’s position today and into the future. The topics covered include political and economic transformations; changes in public policy involving health, education, and the recent elections; and pressing contemporary issues of global importance such as energy policy, international trade, and Russia’s position on the war on terror. “Russia Today” is part of the Pitt/CMU series of one-credit courses focusing on the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China (the so-called “BRIC” countries). These courses are open on a credit or non-credit basis to graduate and undergraduate students, K-12 teachers, and members of the general community.