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CFLS1R21: RUSSIAN STAGE 2

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 1
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Centre for Foreign Language Study

Prerequisites

  • Russian Stage 1, GCSE or equivalent. No higher Russian language entry qualification permitted. This module is not suitable for students with advanced knowledge of Russian language.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • Any Core Language Module offered by the School of Modern Languages and Cultures.

Aims

  • To consolidate and revise prior knowledge.
  • To develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in Russian.
  • To enable students to function effectively in a general social context.
  • To extend lexis and knowledge of grammar.
  • To develop basic essay writing skills.
  • To promote intercultural awareness

Content

  • The first part of this module aims to consolidate and revise prior knowledge, which will involve a comprehensive review of basic language structures followed by the further study of key aspects of grammar.
  • Most functional and notional topics studied at this level will be determined by the main course book
  • Class materials will be supplemented by online resources
  • Oral activities will promote the basis for developing confidence, flexibility and fluency in conversations.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
  • demonstrate some knowledge and understanding of the linguistic principles, structures and registers of the target language;
  • demonstrate knowledge of some aspects of the social, economic and political structures of Russian culture;
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some features of Russian culture and society gained through the study of cultural topics.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
  • extract relevant information from mainly descriptive written sources containing a of high-frequency volume of everyday language;
  • write short compositions in Russian related to both personal and social spheres, expressing and discussing views;
  • understand the main points of clear standard speech and authentic aural passages on familiar topics from typical everyday situations;
  • relate a series of events and take part in a structured discussion on familiar topics;
  • apply a range of grammatical principles;
  • make effective use of reference materials such as grammars and dictionaries;
  • use a range of language-learning techniques and skills by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.

Key Skills:

  • At the end of the module students will have enhanced their ability to:
  • communicate information, ideas and opinions both orally and in writing;
  • give a short class presentation in Russian;
  • gather and process information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic resources;
  • narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or a film;
  • use IT effectively both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning;
  • demonstrate some ability as an independent learner;
  • deal with a variety of situations likely to arise whilst abroad.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module is delivered through seminar style classes
  • Contact time will be used to introduce new material and provide the students with high quality target language input from the module tutor and multimedia sources.
  • In preparation for each session students will be expected to revise new material and complete formative language exercises.
  • The assessment scheme for this module is designed to test students' level of attainment in language production (speaking and writing) and reception (listening and reading).
  • In order to reflect the continuous nature of the language learning process the module will be assessed by a combination of formative and summative in-course assessment.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Seminars60three times per week1 hour60Yes
Preparation and Reading140 
Total 200 

Summative Assessment

Component: Reading & WritingComponent Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Project Assignment 140No
Assignment 260Yes
Component: Speaking & ListeningComponent Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Individual Presentation 5 minutes40No
Individual Oral Assessment 10 minutes60Yes

Formative Assessment

Students will be given assignments to practise and consolidate new skills as well as to assess the students' ability to transfer their knowledge to new situations. All formative assessments will be submitted to the module tutor. Summative language portfolio assignments will also fulfil a formative role since full feed-back will be provided to students.

More information

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