Russian Beginners

Do you want to learn Russian and experience its rich and varied culture? Are you planning to travel to Russia? The course in designed for beginners i.e. for students who have not studied Russian or those with only a smattering of the language. This course provides an introduction to Russian grammar, knowledge of basic vocabulary, and practice in the skills of oral communication in Russian in straightforward situations. During this course students will study a wide range of topics determined by the tutor with input from the class itself. This course offers the learners the opportunity to develop all four language skills - speaking, listening, reading and writing. Throughout the first term of the course students will * Familiarise themselves with the Russian alphabet * Learn how to spell and recognise letter combinations for pronunciation, sound and spelling * Learn vocabulary about self, family, work, food and drink, time, days of the week, months * Learn how to greet people appropriately and introduce themselves and their family * Understand and use simple numbers, price and dates * Be able to talk about food and drink * Learn about the Russian way of life * Learn about Russian Christmas traditions In our class we have a friendly atmosphere. Learners are encouraged to work on their language learning at home between lessons. Students’ progress will be carefully monitored, in particular in the early stages of the course.

What will happen on the first evening? On the first evening the teacher will present some basic information that will be useful as you progress through your course (i.e. programme dates, college facilities, absence rules and others). The tutor will provide the list of topics which will be covered during the first term. What materials or equipment need to be provided by the student? All course materials produced by the teacher will be provided. Please bring an A4 ring binder, paper and pen to the first class. Any additional costs the student is likely to incur? Besides the textbook, there are no additional costs. If students miss a class for important reasons, we can arrange a meeting with the teacher to make up for it, or the tutor will send the course materials by e-mail. If you have any more questions about the first evening or the course or wish to find out whether this is right for you, please contact the languages department (01242 532139).

There are no formal qualifications required for entry to the course. No previous knowledge of the language is required. You need enthusiasm and motivation for learning the Russian language . You should also have a willingness to communicate with the other students in the class wherever possible in Russian. It is very important that you spend your own time and work on your language learning at home between lessons. Please note that all courses are subject to a minimum number of learners. We endeavour to run all classes on the first evening, but a minimum number of learners must have pre-enrolled. Please do enrol to ensure the class will run on the first evening. A decision to continue to run the class will be made based on the number of learners who attend the first week.

Students will achieve a Gloucestershire College Certificate if they have: - Attended 80% of their classes (no more than two missed classes) - Completed a portfolio of work (including 4 appropriate ”assignments” ) If, by the end of the course, there is a viable number of committed learners who have completed the above and who want to continue, consideration will be given to the creation of a continuation class. Students who have completed two terms and have been assessed by the tutor may continue on to the second year of Russian language.