Intermediate Russian, Semester II
Russian 2B - Русский язык 2Б
Syllabus - Spring 2009
M-Th 12:00-12:50, MRP 2032
Course # 34180
Instructor's contact information
Dr. Jonathan F. L. Gray
2050 Mariposa Hall (MRP)
Office hours: MW 10:00-11:30 and by appointment
The BEST way to contact Dr. Gray is by email: jgray@csus.edu
916-278-6839 (office)
530-297-6912 (home)
Catalog Description
Intermediate Russian. Continuation of RUSS 002A. Meets the Foreign Language Graduation Proficiency Requirement. Spring only. 4 units.
Additional Course Information
Russian 2B continues and completes your study of Russian at the intermediate level. The class meets Monday through Thursday, 12:00-12:50.
As in the first-year course, there will be assignments to complete at home to prepare you for the next day. They usually involve your textbook, workbook, and audio/video materials. Do each night’s assignment to get the most out of the classes. See the online assignment sheet to learn what to do any evening.
At the end of each unit you'll take a written and oral test on what you've learned. At the end of the course there will be a final exam. Welcome back to your study of Russian language and culture!
Required materials
- Golosa, Book 2, 4th edition (textbook and workbook) available in the Bookstore.
- Ream of paper (one package) and a printer cartridge. You will be required to print numerous handouts over the course of the semester from the online assignment sheets as well as from email attachments.
Course goals and outcomes
A student who successfully completes Book 2 (Russian 2A and 2B) will be able to interact with Russians in Russia at an intermediate level of language proficiency. Specific descriptions of the level of proficiency you should expect to attain in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture are found in your textbook on p. xii.
Course prerequisites
Successful completion of Russian 2A or consent of the instructor.
Grade distribution
Quizzes (pop quizzes, unit vocabulary quizzes,
and the review test on Units 1-5) - 20%
Unit tests (Unit 6-9 will each have a test worth 10% of the final grade) - 40%
Class participation and homework - 20%
Final exam - 20%
Grading scale
A 93-100
A- 90-92
B+ 87-89
B 83-86
B- 80-82
C+ 77-79
C 73-76
C- 70-72
D+ 67-69
D 63-66
D- 60-62
F Below 60
Attendance
Attendance will not be taken. However, as a courtesy to your teacher, please email him when you know you will miss class (for example, when you are ill). Also as a courtesy to your teacher and classmates, arrive at class on time.
You will find that it will be impossible to master the material of this course without regularly attending class. Explanation of new material as well as much practice will happen during class. You will find it definitely in your interest to be present at all class sessions. Note that 20% of your grade is "class participation." It will be difficult to participate if you are not present.
Golosa website
The publisher’s audio and video materials for this textbook can be found at the Golosa website:
http://www.prenhall.com/golosa/
Tutors
Tutors will be available in the Foreign Languages Tutoring Center (MRP 2032). They can go over your homework with you, drill you on vocabulary you’re learning, and prepare you for the oral section of unit tests. You should spend 20-30 minutes with a tutor at least twice a week.
Disabilities
If you have a physical or learning disability that may interfere with your preparation or performance in this course, see your instructor.
Office hours
My office hours are printed at the top of this syllabus, and I invite you to make use of them. I hope you’ll stop by.
Study Abroad
I recommend studying in Russia through a reputable organization to substantially further your ability to communicate, especially in the areas of speaking and listening. Nothing can substitute for being surrounded by Russian speakers day in, day out. There are summer programs of study in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other Russian cities. However, I recommend that you take RUSS 2A, if possible, and then travel to Russia for the spring semester through CSUS or another academic organization. Your level of language ability will be much higher at the end of three semesters of study and your experience in Russia will be that much richer. (See me for a list of good language study programs in Russia as well as possibilities of study directly through CSUS.)
