Spring 2013 Course Offerings
RUT 3504: Russia Today (5541, 5544) (syllabus)
“Russia Today” will give students a comprehensive introduction to
the various traditional and newly emerging institutions, practices,
behaviors, beliefs, attitudes and symbols that shape everyday life and
thought from the late-Soviet era to the present day (1985¬–2012). No
less importantly, it will also help students develop the methodological
and analytical tools needed for critically examining any culture,
foreign or native. The course will draw heavily from anthropology,
journalism, politics, literature, film, and popular culture as a means
of exploring the special place that culture (broadly defined) occupies
in the complex process of defining and reinventing national, social,
and individual identity. In doing so it will take a thematic approach
and will depend on regular and active student participation. It will
also provide students with extra-credit opportunities designed to
enhance their interaction with and understanding of Russian culture and
society today. Taught entirely in English. (Gen Ed credit: H, N)
Meeting times: T: 7, R: 7–8
Office hours: Tuesdays 11:30 AM–1:30 PM (or by appointment)
RUS 4930: Grammar 2 (6138) (syllabus)
“Grammar 2” provides students having completed “Grammar 1” or the
equivalent with continued advanced oral and written training in some of
the more frequently occurring grammar structures in Russian. The course
will enhance your ability to read complex Russian texts more easily and
to express yourself with greater confidence and precision both in
writing and everyday conversation. In-class activities, conducted
primarily in Russian, will include a variety of speaking, listening,
reading and writing activities predominantly derived from the required
В пути: Russian Grammar in Context textbook materials. Where possible,
textbook work will be augmented by authentic texts from contemporary
Russian culture.
Meeting times: T 4, R 4-5
Office hours: Tuesdays 11:30 AM–1:30 PM (or by appointment)
