RUSS1161: Russian Language 1A

• Grade A in Russian at A level or an equivalent qualification, subject to decision by the modules language coordinator

• At least one further level 1 module in Russian Studies

• Russian Language 1B (RUSS1042); Russian Stage 1 (MLAN1181)

• To consolidate skills in speaking and writing Russian grammatically and to enhance comprehension and vocabulary acquisition

• Consolidation of grammar knowldge
• Development of translation skills through a variety of grammar-based language exercises and translation of texts from Russian to English
• Development of speaking skills through a range of oral exercises and topics based on Russian cultural texts (conversations, pair and small-group discussions, and individual and group presentations)
• Development of listening and aural comprehension skills through listening exercises
• Development of reading and writing skills through text-based comprehension, writing compositions and text summaries
• The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the (language area)-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• To consolidate knowledge of the stucture of the Russian language and of key grammatical points
• To deepen their appreciation of Russian culture and the ways in which Russian is used differently in different contexts (both oral and written)

Subject-specific Skills:

• To increase confidence, fluency and accuracy in both productive (spoken and written) and receptive (listening and reading) skills in Russian
• To read Russian texts of various registers in a wide range of media
• To develop the ability to work and develop language skills independently

Key Skills:

• Improved communication and presentation skills
• The ability to discuss topical and general issues
• The ability to gather and analytically process information and evidence from a variety of different sources

• The module is taught in three strands:
• 1) The grammar/translation component will help students to consolidate their knowledge of grammar and develop their translation skills through a variety of grammar-based language exercises and translation of texts from Russian into English
• 2) In the oral/essay class a wide range of topics will be discussed, many of them concerned with Russian culture and students will develop their speaking skills through a range of oral activities (conversation, role-play, discussion and individual presentations); students will also develop their writing skills through writing exercises (compositions and summaries)
• 3) In the comprehension class students will develop their aural comprehension skill through related listening exercises and their reading and writing skills through text-based comprehension exercises
• These aspects of the course aim to encourage active language and culture-learning while improving subject skills and key transferable skills
• Summative assessment of reading comprehension, translation and writing skills and of grammatical knowledge will take the form of an end-of-year examination
• Oral skills will be summatively assessed by means of activities carried out in class during the year, including group work and presentations
• Formative assessment for this module will include a combination of self-assessed, peer-assessed and tutor-assessed exercises during the year

Regular written and oral practice with the focus on comprehension and development of critical and creative thinking skills and analytical and creative work with the language and culture.

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