Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2006-2007 (archived)

Module RUSS3051: BUSINESS RUSSIAN FOR COMMUNICATION

Department: MODERN LANGUAGES AND CULTURES (RUSSIAN)

RUSS3051: BUSINESS RUSSIAN FOR COMMUNICATION

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2006/07 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Russian Grammar and Composition (RUSS2181) or Russian Grammar and Composition (with year abroad essay) (RUSS2171) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

  • Modern Languages, Combined Honours and all Joint and 'with' programmes: Russian Language 4(I) (RUSS3031). Others: see Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To develop linguistic skills intended to be of practical value in employment, I.e.
  • commercial correspondence in Russian and comprehension of the business environment.
  • To give students practice in composing business letters in Russian and competence to do so within a defined area and to give them awareness of the fundamental changes since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Content

  • The course will consist of two weekly classes, devoted to practical use of business language.
  • A new business Russian IT course will be included in the teaching materials.
  • All material used is based on the contemporary business scene in Russia, the aims, needs and practices of business today.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Understanding of the fundamental changes in Russian society since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Composing business letters in Russian in defined areas.
  • Translating business documents in both English and Russian.
  • Linguistic skills that are of practical value in employment.
Key Skills:

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • Final year students attend regular classes which are taught in both English and Russian. One class is devoted to composition and translation of business documents and the other to the use of a specially designed computer interactive Business course.
    • Regular formative exercises extends linguistic skills specific to the Russian business environment.
    • Assessed practice in a variety of written exercises further extends accuracy and manipulation of the Russian language.
    • Practice in composing business letters in Russian will lead to an awareness of Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
    • Summative assessment tests the competencies and knowledge acquired in formative practice.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Total 200
    Practical Language Classes including the use of IT 44 2 Weekly 1 hour 44
    Preparation and Reading 156

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    3 hour written examination 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    Regular written assignments.


    Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University