THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2020/2021

Information in the Degree Programme Tables may still be subject to change in response to Covid-19

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures : European Languages and Cultures - Russian Studies

Undergraduate Course: Russian Language 2B (ELCR08008)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Literatures, Languages and Cultures CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryThis course is aimed at students who came to study Russian at Edinburgh with prior knowledge of Russian and who have completed the Russian Studies 1B course. It aims to develop students' competence in oral and written Russian to an upper intermediate level, broadening their vocabulary and awareness of grammatical structures (with particular emphasis on verb conjugation and verbs of motion) and stimulating their interest in Russian culture. The course will particularly encourage engagement with original or slightly adapted Russian texts (literary texts and texts taken from contemporary media and online sources) and the oral work will structured around class discussion.
Course description The course builds on the foundations laid out in Russian Studies 1B and develops core linguistic skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing -- to a high intermediate level (CEFR: B2+). Students will have four components per week, each working on specific set of language skills. In the Oral class, students will work in small groups, engaging in conversation, discussion, role play and listening or watching videos. In the Grammar class, the syllabus concentrates on the Russian verb as students develop a nuanced awareness of the verbal forms and functions. The Translation/Writing class involves analysing and translating original or slightly adapted literary extracts and media texts and introduces elements of translation theory. Finally, the Home Reading class develops a more nuanced knowledge of authentic written Russian and broadens students' vocabulary, develops grammar skills and cultural awareness. Students will carry out independent reading of original Russian literary and media texts and use these as a basis for exercises. All course components are structured around a number of set topics, allowing students to focus on particular areas of vocabulary and grammar.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: Russian Studies 1B (ELCR08002)
Co-requisites Students MUST also take: Transnational Russian Culture (ELCR08010) OR The Golden Age of Russian Literature (ELCR08011)
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesVisiting students must have a level of Russian equivalent to a pass in Russian Studies 1B (CEFR level B1). Entry to any language course above introductory level is subject to a language test by the relevant subject area on arrival and at the discretion of the course organiser.
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2020/21, Available to all students (SV1) Quota:  20
Course Start Full Year
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Seminar/Tutorial Hours 80, Summative Assessment Hours 2, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 114 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) 100% Coursework
Translation/Writing in Russian (written work) 25%
Grammar (written work) 25%
Home Reading (written work) 25%
Oral (oral presentations) 15%
Oral (participation in discussion boards) 10%
Feedback Feedback and formative assessment is an integral part of the course and is built into each component.

Grammar, Home Reading, Translation/Writing in Russian:
Students are required to submit regular work for formative assessment in preparation for summative in-class assessments at the end of each semester.

Oral
Students are invited to submit written notes for presentations in advance to the tutor to receive formative feedback, in preparation for the Oral in-class assessment, for which students receive a summative grade and completed feedback form with clear marking descriptors.

Language Project
Students are invited to submit their proposals in advance and discuss them with the tutor(s). This will help them to reflect on and improve their work before the final submission. After submission, they will receive a summative grade and completed feedback form with clear marking descriptors.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Understand the main ideas of complex speech in standardised Russian on concrete and abstract topics, and read, understand and comment in Russian on a range of original literary texts and media materials.
  2. Write correctly on a number of concrete and abstract topics, mastering a broad range of grammatical and syntactical structures and vocabulary.
  3. Take an active part in Russian conversation, expressing a point of view, idea or feelings clearly and naturally, and sustain opinions in discussions by providing relevant explanations, arguments and comments.
  4. Communicate effectively between Russian and English displaying an understanding of the reciprocal relationship between Russian and English grammar, syntax and vocabulary.
  5. Demonstrate a proven ability to carry out autonomous study and to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team.
Reading List
The course is language based, with materials supplied online, sourced from contemporary media and literary sources.

General reference for independent work:
Thomas Beyer, "501 Russian Verbs" (2nd edn) Barron's foreign language guides, 2009
Shamil Khairov, J Dunn, "Modern Russian Grammar: A Practical Guide" (Routledge 2008)
Terence Wade, "A Comprehensive Russian Grammar", Blackwell Reference Grammars

Course materials, reading comprehension and written language:
Alexander Pushkin, "Metel'" from "Povesti Belkina"
Tatyana Tolstaya "Reka Okervill"


Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Graduates will be able to use Russian effectively to a higher intermediate level, (equivalent to CEFR level B2+) using oral, written and visual means.
Graduates will be able to make effective use of oral, written and visual means to critique, negotiate and communicate understanding.
Graduates will be search for, evaluate and use information to increase understanding, exercise critical judgement, and reflect on their learning experience.
Graduates will be open to new and creative ways of learning and disseminating information.
Graduates will have the confidence to make decisions based on their own understanding and work effectively on their own and with others.
KeywordsRussian,grammar,vocabulary,translation,communication,culture,contemporary society
Contacts
Course organiserDr Ekaterina Popova
Tel:
Email: Ekaterina.Popova@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Gillian Paterson
Tel: (0131 6)50 3646
Email: Gillian.Paterson@ed.ac.uk
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