Revised 8/96

NVCC COLLEGE-WIDE COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY
RUS 101 - BEGINNING RUSSIAN I (5 CR.)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Develops the understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of Russian, and emphasizes the structure of the language. Lecture 5 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

Beginning Russian, a basic introductory course, places emphasis on the development of proficiency in the following skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Students learn to function in the language within a limited context of vocabulary and structures. The course includes a general introduction to culture.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCY

Functional fluency in English.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

A. Listening

Able to understand short, learned utterances and some sentence-length utterances, particularly where context strongly supports understanding and speech is clearly audible. Comprehends words and phrases from simple questions, statements, high-frequency commands and courtesy formulae. May require repetition, rephrasing and/or a slowed rate of speech for comprehension.
B. Speaking Able to satisfy partially the requirements of basic communicative exchanges by relying on learned utterances but occasionally expanding these through simple recombination of their elements. Can ask questions or make statements involving learned material. Shows signs of spontaneity although this falls short of real autonomy of expression. Speech continues to consist of learned utterances rather than of personalized, situationally adapted ones. Vocabulary centers on areas such as basic objects. places, and most common kinship terms. Pronunciation may still be strongly influenced by first language. Although errors may be frequent and some repetition may be needed, most speakers at this level can be understood by sympathetic interlocutors. C. Reading Has sufficient control of the writing system to interpret written language in areas of practical need. Where vocabulary has been learned, can read for instructional and directional purposes standardized messages, phrases or expressions, such as some items on menus, schedules, timetables, maps, and signs. At times, but not on a consistent basis, the reader at this level may be able to derive meaning from material at a slightly higher level where context and/or extra linguistic background knowledge are supportive. D. Writing Able to write simple fixed expressions and limited memorized material and some recombinations thereof. Can supply information on simple forms and documents. Can write with some errors names, numbers, dates, own nationality, and other simple autobiographical information as well as some short phrases and simple lists. MAJOR TOPICS TO BE COVERED

The student will learn the structure of the Russian language in a prescribed sequence beginning with the simplest structures and working toward the more complex. Students learn correct Russian pronunciation.

    1. Personal Identification
    2. Education
    3. House and Home
    4. Earning a Living
    5. Services
    6. Leisure
    7. Family Life
    8. Public and Private Services
    9. Community/Neighborhood
    10. Shopping
    11. Physical Environment
    12. Travel
    13. Meal taking/Food/Drink
    14. Current Events
    15. Health and Welfare
OPTIONAL TOPICS

The development of the awareness of culture patterns, including social patterns of behavior, historical developments, and contributions to the arts and sciences.

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