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At the core of our curriculum lie courses dedicated to a sound knowledge of the language. The majority of our graduates begin their study of Russian here with no prior knowledge of the language. Students who already have a suitable pre-university qualification in Russian (A-Level, Scottish Higher, etc.) follow a separate language course for the first two years, specifically tailored to their needs and experience. All of our language courses aim to combine modern ‘communicative’ methods with sound grammatical accuracy and a high level of oral aptitude. These language modules are supplemented, most notably at Honours level, by a wide range of modules dedicated to nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature, intellectual history and contemporary Russian society. The aim of such modules is to allow students a deeper and more diverse understanding and appreciation of different aspects of Russian culture. A highly recommended part of the programme is the period spent in Russia studying at a university or language institute. Stays abroad can range in length from six weeks to a full academic year and can be combined with residence in a Russian home to maximise exposure to Russian language and life.


Upon completion of their degrees, our students have an excellent command of the language and have gained an invaluable understanding and appreciation of the various enigmas which contemporary Russia presents.


Summary of Course Content


First Level (1st year) We have modules designed to cater for students with no prior knowledge of the language as well as modules for those who have a school qualification.


Second Level (usually 2nd year) The distinction between beginners and non-beginners is maintained at this level, with separate sets of modules depending on your previous experience. For both beginners and non-beginners, there is a range of modules available to ensure maximum flexibility around the modules being taken in other subjects. The basic distinction between these modules is whether the focus falls primarily on language acquisition, or whether this language acquisition is supplemented by the study of literature and culture.


Honours (3rd and 4th years) Many students go to Russia for a year after Second level. The Junior Honours language course which they take on their return assumes their additional skill. Those who opt to go straight into Junior Honours take a less advanced language track, but most of them go to Russia for the second half of that year. In Senior Honours all students come together for the final lap of the language curriculum.


Apart from the core language courses, students at Honours level may choose from a variety of Russian modules in nineteenth- and twentieth-century literature, intellectual history, and a dissertation in order to complete the required number and spread of credits.


Modules normally available include, or cover aspects of:


• Russian Poetry of the Golden Age • The Nineteenth-century Russian Novel • Russian Fiction 1880-1917 • Soviet Fiction 1917-1940 • Nineteenth-century Russian Intellectual History • The Fantastic in Nineteenth-century Russian Literature • Soviet Literature 1940-1991 • Communication Skills


Teaching


Russian language teaching is conducted in classes ranging in size from 5 to 20 students, with small groups meeting the lectrice for conversation classes. Literature and culture classes also follow a seminar format, and at Honours level students in literature modules give individual seminar presentations as well as writing essays. In September 2008 the School opened a new Multimedia Centre with the latest electronic technology to enhance the learning and practice of oral and aural skills.


Study Abroad Honours degrees With Integrated Year Abroad (WIYA) in Russia involve residence there for the academic session between Second and Third levels. Those not wanting to pursue a five-year degree course may go to Russia for the second semester of Third level. Should a semester in Russia not be possible, a summer course in Russia may be undertaken. In each case, students are placed on a university language course under the auspices of Russian Language Undergraduate Studies Ltd, a UK-based organisation. All arrangements are made with considerable help, advice, and support from the Russian Department. For more information on the University’s current exchange programmes, see pages 20-21.


Careers


Russia is fast becoming a more economically advanced country which means ever-multiplying career prospects for those who can communicate with the Russians. Recent graduates have gone into the British Foreign Office and various other government bodies, to study law, into teaching, the Navy, graduate entrant positions in Scottish & Newcastle brewery, and Littlewoods. In all cases knowing Russian has been a positive advantage and an aid to career development.


Please see page 42 for details of the University’s Careers Centre. More information: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/careers/ wiki/School_of_Modern_Languages


Russian


“Everyone wants to know, why Russian? I wanted a challenge – which Russian has constantly provided. From learning the basic language; through watching its linguistic history unfold, to living in Russia itself – my degree continually provides new intellectual, social and cultural experiences. Russian is not simply a language here – it is fascinating.”


Laura (Edinburgh)


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