Classroom course

This course is offered as a traditional classroom course.

At the traditional classroom course, the teacher and all students are present in the classroom.

Course description

For the Russian 1 course, no previous knowledge of the language is required.
The course starts with a few lessons about the Cyrillic alphabet.

In this course, the following topics are covered: reading the Russian letters, saying who someone is or what something is, saying yes/no, greeting someone, introducing yourself, asking how someone is doing, asking for directions, thanking someone, reading simple announcements and advertisements. The necessary grammar is explained and ample attention is paid to vocabulary.
All skills are covered: speaking, writing, reading and listening. Attention is also paid to the cultural context of the countries in which the language is spoken.

After the course you will be able to use some familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases. You can introduce yourself and ask and answer questions about personal details. One can react in a simple way, assuming that the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

The course makes use of the digital learning environment BrightSpace. Within this learning environment you will find the homework and additional learning material. The course participants are expected to prepare the lessons at home (approximately two hours per lesson).

The course is concluded with a test. A certificate will be awarded if the student attends 80% of the lessons and successfully completes the final test.

Course material

• Passport to Russia 1 textbook, Lessons 1-3. M Louwerse/L. Lubotsky. ISBN 9789061433576.
• Passport to Russia 1 workbook, Lessons 1-3. M. Louwerse/L. Lubotsky. ISBN 9789061433583

Target group and admission requirements

The course is intended for adults with a higher education, including both Leiden University students and staff members and other interested parties with no relation to the University. The course is open to persons aged 17 and older who have completed a secondary school education. There are no entry requirements with respect to knowledge of Russian.

Other information

• The maximum number of participants for an online course is 16 and for a classroom course is 18.
• The course load is 56 hours. On request a Course load declaration form can be issued. The student should enquire with their department whether course participation can be converted into credits.
• The holiday periods can be found in the Academic Language Centre's academic calendar.
• If classes are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be added on to the end of the course. Please take into account courses may end later than scheduled.
• The course level is indicated with the help of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.