In this first-year course for complete beginners, we'll cover the basics of Russian grammar, with the ultimate aim of reading some outstanding Russian prose and poetry in the original by the end of the spring semester. Along the way, we'll learn the language within its unique cultural context, and place special emphasis on learning to express our own feelings and ideas in natural, idiomatic Russian. This course will lay the groundwork for you to engage with Russian speakers and with Russian-language texts, thus opening the door to further exploration of Russian culture and history.

This course is intended for students with a Russian-speaking family background who seek to acquire or improve their Russian language skills, as well as to learn more about Russian/Soviet culture and history. All linguistic concepts will be taught through authentic materials, including literary texts, films, and the current Russian media. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze and construct texts of various genres and participate actively in most informal and some formal exchanges on a broad variety of cultural topics. Students who complete this course in combination with RUS 108 satisfy the Language Requirement.

A thorough review of grammar; development of oral and written language skills; expansion of everyday vocabulary on the following topics: family, character, relationship, appearance, clothing, health, food and cuisine. Through the discussion of short stories and paintings the students familiarize themselves with Russian customs, traditions, and beliefs.

An expansion of skills in Russian grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. Work with three films made after the collapse of the Soviet Union, which have won many national and international awards. The class discussion will center around a broad spectrum of cultural, social, historical, and literary topics.

This course focuses instruction on skills required to perform in a Russian-speaking academic context across core subject areas of Russian studies. The targeted language skills are tied with the specific needs of graduate students (e.g., reading and writing academic articles, proposals, conference presentations, and correspondence). Students get acquainted with various academic sub-styles and genres as well as differences in academic standards (citation, bibliography). The course includes a comprehensive review of Russian grammar and syntax.