Department of Slavonic Studies

Intermediate Language Classes, Lectures
Post A-Level

Use of | Translation | Conversation | Grammar and Syntax
| Listening Comprehension | Prose Composition

Use of Russian RU B1

Part IA Option B, Part IB Option A, Diploma

Taught weekly with seven required pieces of work per term in Michaelmas and Lent, three in Easter. Use of Russian classes involve a) reading short texts and writing structured critical response to them in Russian, b) translation from English into Russian of sentences containing at least one specific grammatical point, c) work on a variety of journalistic, literary and informal texts; exercises include paraphrase, explanation and analysis of linguistic and stylistic features.

A particular focus of the work in the class is the analysis of idiom and sensitivity to style and register. This skill requires a broad vocabulary, command of the basic rules of the grammar and of Russian syntax and idiom. The class also aims to develop skills in textual analysis: how to evaluate the language used, summarize content, and produce a coherent personal response to it.

Translation from Russian RU B2

Part IA Option B, Part IB Option A, Diploma

Taught in weekly class with a required total of four written pieces of work per term. The class entails work on a wide range of passages of different periods, styles and registers. Those teaching the paper will be selecting their materials to reflect a broad range of registers and styles. In class particular attention will be given to syntax, style, vocabulary and grammatical structures.

The aim of the class is to expand reading experience and to develop the ability to translate from prose, and in some cases verse, written in a range of styles and genres. In-depth understanding of the contrast between the two languages is given priority. However, it must be noted that the course does not aim to teach students professional translation skills.

Oral Practice (Supervision) Oral component of RU B2

Part IA Option B, Part IB Option A, Diploma

A one-hour supervision per week. Oral practice supervisions aim to consolidate the linguistic knowledge gained through reading, lectures and translation classes, to develop students' ability to express themselves in Russian, to understand Russian as it is spoken by native speakers in real- life situations, and to expand their knowledge of the country, its people and its culture.

In oral supervisions a test is used to provide material for comprehension and subsequent discussion with listening and comprehension. The course is intended to develop the ability to speak fluently and accurately in an appropriate register and the ability to engage interestingly in Russian on an intellectual level.

Russian Grammar and Syntax

Lecture: Part IA Option B, Part IB Option A, Diploma

One hour a week.

Related language paper: RU B1

Audio-Visual

Part IB Option B class

Audio-Visual classes develop students' ability to understand Russian through the use of audio and video recordings, and to express this understanding in written Russian.

Related language paper: RU B3

Language through Audio Visual - conduct of examination

Translation into Russian (Prose Composition)

Part IB Option B class

In this fortnightly class you will practise translating from various styles and registers of English, in order to develop your command of grammar, vocabulary and idiom.

Related language paper: RU B3