Part two of a two-part intensive introductory course in modern
Russian and culture. This course continues to further develop
students’ competence in speaking, listening, reading, and
writing, with a persistent focus on proficiency-oriented
instruction and assessment.
Athena Title
Intensive Elementary Russ II
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in RUSS 1002
Prerequisite
RUSS 1001 or RUSS 1011
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will engage in conversations on everyday topics (e.g., introductions, family, daily activities, ordering food) using appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and culturally respectful communication strategies.
Students will recognize and apply appropriate forms of address, greetings, and politeness strategies in Russian, adjusting language use to reflect cultural norms and the formality of various situations.
Students will modify speech and writing to suit different communicative contexts, such as informal conversations with peers, classroom discussions, and structured interactions with instructors or native speakers.
Students will introduce oneself, share basic personal details, express likes/dislikes, and provide simple opinions on familiar topics in an appropriate register.
Students will understand and appropriately respond to questions, requests, and short conversations on everyday topics, considering cultural conventions.
Students will actively participate in role-playing exercises that simulate real-world interactions (e.g., asking for directions, making purchases, interacting in a café), demonstrating awareness of cultural and linguistic conventions.
Students will research and present on Russian cultural topics, comparing perspectives and reflecting on cultural differences to develop cross-cultural competence.
Students will deliver detailed oral presentations in Russian on personal and cultural topics, demonstrating clarity, precision, and cultural appropriateness.
Students will work collaboratively in Russian towards a common goal (e.g., creating a travel plan, a museum tour, or role-playing a restaurant visit), negotiating scenarios, dialogue, and settings while considering the target audience and appropriate register.
Topical Outline
Talking about homes, rooms, furnishings; colors;
making and responding to invitations; renting an apartment.
Discussing major, academic interests, and professional
plans.
Naming family members; talking about people: names,
ages, professions, academic interest, where they were born,
and where they grew up; exchanging letters and e-mails about
families; job ads and résumés.
Asking for advice about purchases; making simple
purchases; birthday greetings; present and gift giving;
reading and listening to store advertisements; shopping in
Russia.
Making plans to cook dinner; making plans to go to a
restaurant; ordering meals in a restaurant; reading menus and
restaurant reviews; listening to restaurant advertisements.
Talking more about yourself and your family; telling
where your city is located; reading and listening to short
biographies.
Throughout the course, students will deepen their understanding of Russian culture and history by conducting mini research presentations for their classmates. These presentations will explore diverse cultural topics, fostering cross-cultural awareness and encouraging students to reflect on cultural differences while developing their research and presentation skills.
