Russian Beginners Accelerated for finalists (LL393)
Summary
Level
Beginners and near beginners. This module is open to students with no or basic prior knowledge of Russian as well as for speakers of other Slavic languages. 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 research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, enhancing cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies
- to achieve A2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
Credits
30 CREDITS
Teaching and Learning
- two weekly blended sessions for 21 weeks consisting of a two-hour face-to-face class on campus and a two-hour synchronous online class in Microsoft Teams
- four online workshops, each lasting ninety minutes, spread across terms 1 and 2
- 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 1: one interim test (10%)
Term 3: one reading/writing test (35%) + one speaking test (40%) + one independent project (15%)
Main Tutor
Dr Maria Belova
Maria.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
Course Description
A general foundation in language, extending across the four main skill areas (speaking, writing, listening and reading), with an emphasis upon the acquisition of an essential grammatical basis and development of both receptive and productive skills. 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 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
- 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 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
- 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
Can count towards the Warwick Award
