Department of Slavonic Studies

Introductory Language Classes and Oral Practice Seminars

Use of | Grammar | Translation | Oral Practice | Literature

Use of Russian

Part IA Option A class

One hour per week

This class takes students through the basic points of the grammar and syntax of Russian, and combines such exercises as translation into Russian of sentences containing specific grammatical points, reading comprehension, explanation, paraphrase, and producing a written response to a text.

Grammar Workshop

Part IA Option A class

One hour per week.

The Grammar Workshop follows broadly the same sequence of grammatical points as the Oral Practice and Use of Russian classes. Within this framework the agenda is to some extent flexible, depending on the particular difficulties experienced by a given set of students.

Related language paper: RU A1

Translation from Russian

Part IA Option A class

One hour per week.

In the Michaelmas Term passages for translation (from Russian into English) are designed to take account of students progression through the basic grammar course. Subsequent translation is from graded passages of authentic material.

Related language paper: RU A2

Oral Practice

Part IA Option A class

Two hours per week.

The first two classes of the Michaelmas Term focus on elementary pronunciation, using the Department's Phonetics Course. For weeks 3-8 of the Term one class per week is based on the video-course The Amazing Adventures of Ibicus in St. Petersburg. The remaining classes follow the sequence of lessons in Colloquial Russian. In the Lent Term and the Easter Term classes are built around the revision course Zdravstvuite!, book 3, by Irina Osipova and Marta Kollo, and incorporate additional materials in the form of authentic texts and video. Each class involves structured conversation on specific themes. designed to illustrate the relevant points of grammar, to build up gradually a diverse vocabulary, and to introduce students to realities of life in Russia.

Related language paper: Oral Examination A