Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2022-2023 (archived)

Module RUSS1042: Russian Language 1B

Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Russian)

RUSS1042: Russian Language 1B

Type Open Level 1 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2022/23 Module Cap Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Grade A or above at A level or eqivalent in a modern foreign language or an equivalent qualification, subject to decision by the module’s language coordinator

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Russian Language 1A (RUSS1161); Russian Stage 1 (MLAN1181)

Aims

  • To provide an accelerated introduction to all aspects of the Russian language;
  • to provide a thorough understanding of the grammatical system;
  • to build vocabulary and develop skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking

Content

  • The module has an integrated and progressive programme, involving one hour of Russian per day (grammar-practical-grammar-practical-workship/vocabulary analysis) plus one oral class per week;
  • students will be provided with audio materials/tasks that support work in class, submit homework generated by the practical lessons, and sit regular formative and diagnostic tests
  • The teaching and resources in this module reflect a commitment to linguistic and cultural diversity. It positions the richness of the (language area)-speaking world at the core of its syllabus.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of this module, students will acquire a basic vocabulary in Russian and acquire a thorough knowledge of the basic grammar of the language.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of this module, students should be able to converse, write and read in Russian with some fluency, and will have covered the basics of Russian grammar by completing the textbook, Colloquial Russian (Routledge).
Key Skills:
  • By the end of this module, students will develop their skills as language learners, their ability to organize their own study and, on completion of the course, will be able to communicate at a basic level in the target language in both oral and written form.

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

  • In order that the students achieve competence in all the main language skills, a variety of methods will be employed: oral, translation, grammatical exercises, reading texts, language laboratory.
  • These methods will allow the students to become familiar with essential grammatical concepts and vocabulary and to use them in different learning contexts.
  • Summative assessment of reading/writing skills and of grammatical knowledge will take the form of an end-of-year examination.
  • Oral skills will be summatively assessed by means of activities carried out in class during the year, including group work.
  • Formative assessment for this module will include a combination of self-assessed, peer-assessed and tutor-assessed exercises during the year.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Texts 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Exercises 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Workshop 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Oral 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Lectures 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Grammar Practice 21 1 per week 1 hour 21 ■
Preparation and Reading 274
Total 400

Summative Assessment

Component: In-class written assessment Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Reading comprehension, grammar and writing skills tests 2 hours 100% Yes
Component: In-class oral and listening comprehension assessment Component Weighting: 25%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Continuous assessment of oral and listening comprehension skills 100% Yes - 10-minute oral examination
Component: In-class participation Component Weighting: 5%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
In-class participation 100% No

Formative Assessment:

Weekly written translations, grammar exercises, fortnightly tests, and preparation for oral classes

■ 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