Discussion of the excursions is incorporated into the conversation course. The purpose of this spring semester course is to facilitate the acquisition of accurate Russian language skills. This is accomplished through oral and written exercises in class and written homework assignments. Additionally, one of three weekly classes will focus on developing the student's ability to write short compositions through practical writing assignments designed to incorporate various aspects of grammar covered in this course. This course is designed to increase active vocabulary and develop advanced skills of oral expression.
Emphasis is placed on vocabulary building and use of idioms and commonly used phrases.
This course is devoted to analysis of assigned readings in the Russian press. Class discussion of the assigned reading acquaints participants with specialized language and Russian journalistic style. With the focus on 20th-century Russian literature, this course is devoted to a presentation of one author's biography, major works, and place in the development of Russian literature and culture. Participants analyze texts of selected authors for characteristic stylistic peculiarities and thematic concerns. This course focuses on rendering carefully selected English texts into Russian or vice versa.