Russian 4 for finalists (LL356)
Summary
Level
Intermediate. This module follows on naturally from Russian 3. It will offer continuity of learning for those who have completed Level 3 module. It also provides an opportunity for other students with prior knowledge of Russian with B1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) to develop their competence in the language.
Main Objectives
This module will strengthen reading and writing skills and will also reinforce the communicative skills acquired during previous study of the Russian language. Students will gain further insights into the culture and society of Russia. This module will offer a more advanced study of language structure and syntax and concentrate on using the target language for discussing and analysing topical issues in Russian-speaking countries. Additionally, students will research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, enhancing their cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies.
To work towards B2 standard of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
Credits
Teaching and Learning
- One weekly blended session for 21 weeks consisting of a three-hour face-to-face class on campus
- Four online workshops, each lasting ninety minutes, spread across terms 1 and 2
- Some independent study will also be set
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 2: portfolio (15%)
Term 3: one reading/writing test (30%) + one speaking test (40%) + one independent project (15%)
Main Tutor
Elena Bolton
Elena.Bolton@warwick.ac.uk
Course Texts
Term 1: The Way to Russia: Russian language text-book - part 3 vol 1. Antonova V.E., Nakhabina M.M. St.Petersburg: Zlatoust. ISBN: 978-5-86547-504-0 (Term 1)
Term 2: No textbook required
Course Description
This module offers students the opportunity to practise their communication skills, both listening and speaking, in order to take part in conversation and discussion in a range of predictable social and work-related contexts. The stimulus material (aural, written and visual) will not only provide the basis for consolidation of Russian grammar but also give the students further insights into everyday life in contemporary Russia. The course aims to improve students' critical understanding of cultural contexts, develop their skills in effective resource management and autonomous learning, and enhance their analytical and reflective abilities in cross-cultural settings.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- apply knowledge of grammar appropriate to the level
- understand the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics
- understand extended speech in a variety of contexts, and the gist of current affairs programmes and films
- read articles and reports relating to contemporary problems
- interact with fluency and spontaneity, and account for and sustain viewpoints
- write clear detailed texts on a wide range of subjects; explain viewpoints on topical issues
- critically analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, demonstrating enhanced intercultural and cross-cultural competencies
- conduct and present independent research into Russophone culture(s) and society(ies)
- self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and manage resources
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform a variety of tasks at Level B2 Independent user (vantage) of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).
Syllabus
The syllabus will include the following:
Topics
Education & employment; mass media; gender equality; sport and tourism; immigration; Russia: history, major cities and regions, culture and traditions.
Grammar
Adjectives: short forms and comparatives; verbs of motion with and without prefixes; figurative use of verbs of motion; Imperative; gerunds; active and passive participles; subjunctive; conditional clauses; impersonal expressions; compound sentence construction; dependent clauses.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- strategies to communicate effectively both in writing and orally in Russian
- strategies for self-directed and autonomous learning
- an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and an ability to engage with and communicate within them thoughtfully and respectfully
- intercultural awareness, professionalism, digital literacy, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking
Can count towards the Warwick AwardLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window
