This component includes a variety of readings ranging from classical literature to newspaper articles to bus and train schedules. A unit on Cossack and Russian culture in which students explore the regional Cossack identity and its history and arts is also included. The conversation component of the program is augmented by Wednesday afternoon discussions and roundtables which bring together program participants and students from the Center for the History of Culture at Kuban State University. Topics presented by speakers and then discussed include Russian folklore, Cossack culture, musical traditions of Russia and Russian cinema. Students are placed in language classes according to ability following pre-program evaluation.
Class size is limited to five to nine students.
The director teaches and coordinates this course, which begins during the pre-departure orientation with readings and discussion. In Krasnodar, the course meets twice weekly for lectures and discussion. A series of lectures by Russian faculty is also included. In past years, students have been expected to keep a journal during the semester. In addition, a major component of the course is an individual project or paper .