Russian Beginners for Language Degree Students (LL2B8)
Summary
Level
Beginners and near beginners. This is a core module for BAML students ‘with’ Russian, and is also open to other students with no or basic prior knowledge of Russian. It is aimed at speakers of languages other than Slavic. The module is an ideal choice for those who consider themselves bilingual or have strong linguistic abilities. Due to the 'accelerated' aspect of the module, evidence of prior linguistic achievement (e.g. a GCSE A* grade / A-level in another European language) is essential.
Main Objectives
- to develop competence in a range of predictable everyday tasks acquiring essential listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and insight into Russian society
- to achieve A2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
Credits
30 CREDITS, also available for 24 CREDITS
Teaching and Learning
One weekly blended session for 21 weeks, organised as:
- two 2-hour face-to-face classes on campus
- Some independent study will also be set
If health & safety restrictions are required, teaching may move fully online.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore for a 30 credit module, the minimum expected amount of study is 300 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required. Students can make use of Moodle to facilitate this.
Assessment
Term 1: one interim test (10%)
Term 3: one reading/writing test (50%) + one speaking test (40%)
Tutor
Dr Maria BelovaMaria.Belova@warwick.ac.uk
Course Texts
- Time for Russian (Русский сезон): Russian language textbook. Nakhabina M.M., Antonova V.E. - St.Petersburg: Zlatoust, 2015. ISBN: 978-5-86547-538-5 (or other editions)
Course Description
A general foundation in language, extending across the four main skill areas (speaking, writing, listening and reading), with an emphasis on the acquisition of an essential grammatical basis and development of both receptive and productive skills.
Successful completion of Russian Beginners Extra qualifies students to progress to Russian 3.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- apply a basic knowledge of grammar appropriate to the level
- apply strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- demonstrate a competency in basic writing
- talk about familiar topics and activities
- demonstrate a reasonable standard of pronunciation and be able to communicate orally in basic situations;
- gain insight into everyday life in the Russian-speaking countries
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2 Basic user (waystage) of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
Syllabus
The syllabus will include the following:
Topics
This module will cover items such as: alphabet & introductions, languages & nationalities, family, professions & future aspirations, describing places and people, daily routine & telling the time, food: national cuisine & healthy lifestyle, expressing opinions, talking about the past, sports and leisure activities, travel & holidays, hometown and a capital city.
Grammar
This module, aimed at beginners, will provide an introduction to fundamental features of Russian grammar and essential basic structures, making it possible to function in a range of everyday situations. The module begins with the Cyrillic alphabet and the rules of spelling and pronunciation. The main grammatical areas covered: genders, use of cases and declension of nouns, adjectives & pronouns, present and past tenses, verbs of motion (introduction), reflexive verbs, adverbs, comparatives and superlatives, conjunctions.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Written and spoken communication
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Can count towards the Warwick Award
