LN101
Russian Language and Society 1 (beginner)
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Olga Sobolev PEL 6.01a
Availability
Available as an outside option to all undergraduate and General Course students. Students can take this course in any year of their studies following approval from the teacher responsible and subject to their own programme regulations.
Pre-requisites
No previous knowledge of Russian is required; students with limited prior knowledge may be considered for the course subject to an interview with the course co-ordinator.
Course content
Beginners to higher intermediate study of the Russian language within the framework of social sciences and culture. In a dynamic and communicative way the course develops all four language skills (i.e. speaking, listening, reading and writing) through individual and group work, topical discussions, authentic and web-based multi-media materials. The focus is on accuracy as well as communication that advance students’ language competence, transferable skills and cultural awareness.
Teaching
60 hours of classes in the MT. 60 hours of classes in the LT. 6 hours of classes in the ST.
Six hours per week, which will feature: (a) interactive topic work; (b) oral classes; (c) grammar classes; (d) tutorials; and (e) guided study using Language Showroom, IT and web-based materials. Students should note that the timetable will be held extremely flexible to accommodate students from all departments. Please contact the teacher responsible if you would like to follow this language course. Structured activities during the reading week.
This course has reading weeks in week 6 of Michaelmas and Lent terms.
Formative coursework
Students will be required to complete weekly language exercises.
Indicative reading
Svetlana Le Fleming and Susan Kay, Colloquial Russian, Routledge, 2017
Assessment
Exam (40%, duration: 2 hours) in the summer exam period.
Oral examination (20%) in the ST.
Continuous assessment (40%) in the MT and LT.
Language courses map to the Common European Framework for Language Learning. This framework defines linguistic proficiency in the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) at different levels. To pass this course, students are therefore required to achieve a pass mark in each element of the assessment (continuous assessment, oral and written exams), as these test all four skills.
Student performance results
(2017/18 - 2019/20 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| First | 52.2 |
| 2:1 | 39.1 |
| 2:2 | 0 |
| Third | 4.3 |
| Fail | 4.3 |
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Language Centre
Total students 2019/20: 11
Average class size 2019/20: 10
Capped 2019/20: Yes (12)
Value: One Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Specialist skills
