This course is an introductory language course that emphasizes language proficiency in all four skills: speaking, reading, listening and writing. After the first year, students will be able to discuss most everyday topics; they will learn essentials of Russian grammar and vocabulary. The course also will introduce students to facts about Russian life, culture, history and geography. The class will meet eight hours per week; five hours with the master teacher and three hours with the apprentice teacher. Offered every year.
In this course, students continue the study of the language, concentrating on the development of oral communication and writing skills. Work for the course will involve regular study of new vocabulary, extensive reading, and writing. In class, we will review some important aspects of grammar, focusing on communication in a variety of contexts. The skills of listening and comprehension, speaking and participating in discussion will be further developed. Students will be introduced to more facts about Russian culture. They will read excerpts from Russian literature and learn some poetry. The class meets three times a week with the master teacher and twice a week with the apprentice teacher. Attendance at Russian Table is required. Prerequisite: RUSS 111Y-112Y or equivalent. Offered every year.
This course provides beginning advanced students of Russian the opportunity to continue their study of the language, concentrating on the development of four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. To strengthen their writing, students will be required to write several essays during the course of the semester. Work for the course will involve regular study of new vocabulary, reading a variety of texts, and writing essays. A main focus of this course is communication within a variety of contexts while trying to enhance listening, reading comprehension and oral proficiency. One additional practice session, conducted by an apprentice teacher, may be required. This course can be repeated for credit with a change of teaching materials. In such a case, permission of the instructor is required Prerequisite: RUSS 213Y-214Y or permission of instructor. Offered every year.
This course is designed to provide advanced students the opportunity to refine and increase their abilities to write, read and speak Russian. Students will review grammatical structures and work on developing their written and oral proficiency. Readings and class discussions will center on cultural and literary material, Russian print media and occasional films. A strong emphasis will be placed on a comprehensive grammar review, with special attention to typical topics of difficulty. One additional 50-minute practice session, conducted by an apprentice teacher, may be required. This course can be repeated for credit with a change of teaching materials. In such a case, permission of the instructor is required. Prerequisite: RUSS 213Y-214Y. Offered every year.
The aim of this course is to introduce students to major literary movements and cultural institutions of 19th-century Russia through works that are recognized as the "canon" in Russian literature. The course will be devoted to readings, discussions and close analysis of selected texts by major Russian writers (Pushkin, Gogol, Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy, Turgenev, Chekhov). An important aspect of the course will be a comparative study of cross-cultural interpretations of the masterpieces of Russian literature on film. No prerequisite. Normally offered every other year.