RUSS 2002, Intermediate Russian II, aims to build oral and written communication skills in Russian at the intermediate level and improve cultural awareness and literacy of the Russian-speaking world. RUSS 2002 contributes to students’ education in the humanities by teaching both the Russian language and the humanistic cultures of the Russian-speaking world.
This semester we will continue to develop all four modalities of language use: listening, speaking, writing and reading; study new grammar topics and complete our survey of the fundamental structures of Russian; expand our vocabulary base, both active and passive; and communicate spontaneously on a variety of topics (including literature and reading, sports and leisure, health and the body, and family relations); and most importantly, enjoy the richness of Russian language and culture!
Upon successful completion of this course student will be able to:
- Use Russian to communicate with peers and instructor both orally and in writing at the intermediate level on a broad range of topics of personal interest.
- Employ strategies to comprehend texts written by and for Russian speakers (written, aural and/or video) for gisting and for detail.
- Employ strategies to express ideas in interpersonal contexts in culturally appropriate ways.
- Develop an understanding of practices and perspectives of the cultures of Russian-speaking countries.
- Develop intercultural awareness through the study of the similarities and differences among and the relationships between language and culture systems.
- Be prepared to continue developing your Russian language skills and cultural understanding in the Russian LBAT or RUSS 3001 and onward.
Golosa, Book II, 6th ed. and Student Activities Manual/Workbook; handouts from Hall and Vlasikova, Let’s Talk about Life; supplemental materials (print and internet).
Course requirements:
- Attendance and active participation
- Timely completion of homework assignments (corrected but not graded, facilitating active participation)
- Vocabulary and grammar quizzes and one in-class composition per unit. Compositions are graded according to the following rubric: Communicative Content 40%; Appropriate Lexicon 25%; Grammatical Accuracy 25%; Originality 10%
- Three unit tests
- Two oral exams (midterm and final). These are conducted in the format of free-form one-on-one conversations, centering thematically around the topics of the units covered and are graded on a rubric evaluating successful fulfillment of communicative tasks, grammar and vocabulary, pronunciation and intonation, and fluency.
- Final composition (expectation is two pages handwritten based on a prompt linked to the course topics and given in the detailed assignment syllabus).
- Final exam (comprehensive)
Grading break-down:
- Active participation 15%
- Compositions and Quizzes 10%
- Unit tests 30%
- Oral exams 15%
- Final composition 10%
- Final exam 20%
Attendance and active participation is crucial to language study.
The participation grade will be assigned according to the following guidelines:
No more than 3 unexcused absences and always well prepared for class – A;
Generally well prepared, sometimes partially prepared or unprepared – B;
Generally partially prepared or unprepared – C;
More than 3 unexcused absences will result in a lowering of the participation grade by one letter grade;
Significantly more than 3 unexcused absences will lower the participation grade by two or more letter grades.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Humanities area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help students master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic, and philosophical works?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance, and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Ethical Reasoning
- Information Literacy
- Intercultural Competence