Russian Beginners Accelerated (LL293)

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.

Credits:

This is a 24 or 30 CREDIT module.

Teaching:

3 hour language classes each week for 21 weeks. Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore the minimum expected amount of study is 240 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required.

Tutor:

Maria Belova

Course Texts:

Let's go! Poekhali! A course for beginners. S. Chernyshov. St. Petersburg: Zlatoust. ISBN: 978-5-86547859-1

Additional material:

Russian Grammar Laminate Reference Chart (Quickstudy: Academic)
Russian Grammar in Tables and Charts. Reference book for foreign learners. N.S.Novikova, T.V.Shustikova. Moscow: Russian Language, 2015. ISBN: 978-5-88337-310-6
I write in Russian. Elementary level. G.V.Belyaeva, M.M.Nakhabina. St.Petersburg: Zlatoust, 2015. ISBN: 978-5-86547-710-5
Russian grammar in pictures. G.G. Malyshev. Zlatoust. ISBN: 978-5-86547-505-7
Кабяк Н.В. «Очень простые истории» / Kabiak N.V., Very simple stories (electronic publication). – St.Petersburg: Zlatoust, 2015. ISBN: 978-5-86547-704-4
Костюк Н.А., Филлипс Д. «Читаем без проблем» / Kostyuk, N.A., Fhillips, D. Reading without problems: In 4 parts (electronic publication) – 9th ed. – St.Petersburg: Zlatoust, 2014. ISBN: 978-5-86547-813-3
Amazing stories: 116 texts for reading, learning and entertainment for beginners-intermediate. N.S.Novikova, O.M.Shcherbakova. Moscow 2017. ISBN: 978-5-89349-393-1

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.

Successful completion of 'Russian Beginners Accelerated' qualifies students to progress to Russian 3.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to

understand the essentials of grammar and syntax;
demonstrate a competency in basic writing;
understand short texts in the target language;
demonstrate a reasonable standard of pronunciation and be able to communicate orally in basic situations;
understand spoken language;
show a range of vocabulary and strategies for dealing with unknown vocabulary

Syllabus

The syllabus will include the following:

Communication skills

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.

Assessment Scheme:

1 interim test (term 1), 1 oral examination and 1 final examination (term 3)

Assessment summary and skills weighting: Assessment

Marking criteria (written): Marking criteria written (levels 1 and 2)

Marking criteria (oral): Marking criteria (oral) levels 1 and 2