The beginnings of research and instruction in American higher education concerning foreign countries and cultures are described, with a focus on the career of Archibald Cary Coolidge and his contributions toward transforming Harvard University. The years between 1890 and 1930 were important to U.S. higher education and constituted an era of great change within the United States in world economic, political, and intellectual life and in international politics. Coolidge served as a teacher of undergraduates, director of graduate students, scholar, librarian, and editor. He awakened American historical scholarship and teaching to many areas of the world, but his most important contribution was founding the professional study of Russia in the United States. His ability to see the world as a whole and his writing/teaching about modern international history and relations were influential. He helped to train graduate students of history to be scholars/teachers and also expanded Harvard University's library and established a simple classification system and catalog. Attention is also directed to Coolidge's influence on the public as a writer and as editor of "Foreign Affairs", the Coolidge School for Diplomats Government Service, and the scholar's role in government. Chapter notes and a bibliography are included. (SW)