Courses

RUSS 0250, Intensive Elementary Russian

The aim of Intensive Elementary Russian is to develop basic communicative competence in the Russian language, that is, to enable students to interact using language which is both grammatically correct and appropriate to the situation. The course will develop comprehension and use of contemporary Russian, will cover the fundamentals of Russian grammar, vocabulary acquisition and focus on oral communication. Students will actively practice grammar structures on-site, interacting in the St. Petersburg environment with the help of trained tutors. The course will develop all language skills in an integrated approach, with more stress placed on speaking and listening. Classroom activities will use a variety of techniques and authentic materials.

RUSS 0350, Intensive Intermediate Russian

This course will focus on development of language proficiency while broadening understanding of Russian culture. Includes expansion of vocabulary for dealing with conversational topics and review of Russian grammar. Focuses on development of practical language skills as well as sensitivity to cultural meaning.

Both courses will be overseen by Professor Oklot (Brown On-Site Coordinator) and taught by the staff of the Nevsky Institute.

RUSS 1060, St. Petersburg: A Window on Russia

Instructor: Professors Svetlana Evdokimova and Vladimir Golstein.

This course is an interdisciplinary exploration of Russian cultural history through St. Petersburg’s literature, art and architecture, as well as its urban and political history. This course will include 3 hours per week of formal lectures and 4-5 hours of study trips to museums, galleries, and architectural monuments. Students will explore the history of Russian art, the foundation and growth of the city of St. Petersburg and its royal suburbs, the emergence of St. Petersburg mythology in Russian literature and culture and how these architectural and literary monuments and sites capture Russian history. St. Petersburg is an ideal site for this intensive study since it is home to many renowned Russian artists, writers, and poets, as well as to groundbreaking political events.