General provisions

The course is part of the MA in Russian and Eurasian Studies.

Entry requirements

Russian in Professional Contexts 1, Specialisation 15 credits.

Learning outcomes

The course unit focuses on studies of linguistic and cultural changes in Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union. The change in language norms in the 1990s and the return of previous norms in the 21st century are studied in detail. Post-Soviet popular culture (literature, film, music, Television programmes) is studied in the context of social and political processes. Students are trained in writing longer argumentative texts in Russian and develop their analytical skills through critical examination of authentic multimedia sources. Examination is conducted in the form of continuous assessment as well as compulsory written and oral presentations.

Upon completing the unit, students will be able to:

• independently retrieve, understand and analyse the content of authentic Russian multimedia sources
• account for linguistic and cultural norm changes in Russia after 1991
• summarize longer texts or audiovisual material of a social and cultural nature in Russian
• write longer argumentative essays and reviews in Russian

Instruction

Instruction is normally given in the form of seminars and group instruction. Self-study is required. Active participation in course seminars is obligatory. Language of instruction: Russian.

Assessment

Examination is conducted in the form of continuous assessment as well as compulsory written and oral presentations. Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with distinction (VG).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Other regulations

This course is part of a joint section with the equivalent course within the Master Programme in the Russian Language in International Relations, Department of Modern Languages.