This course focuses on oral communication skills. The goal is to help students develop confidence and begin to feel comfortable conversing in Russian on various topics beyond routine social and survival needs. Since communication often breaks down when comprehension is poor, part of the class will be devoted to improving listening skills and building vocabulary.

The course may be taken for two or three credits. Those students taking the course for two credits will come to class on Mondays and Wednesdays and do the assignments for those days. Students who choose to take the course for three credits will attend on Fridays as well. Together they will decide on a project (or projects) for the semester. It might be publishing a newspaper, writing and staging a play, filming a movie… — or students may prefer to take turns planning and directing interactive classes based on their own interests (in consultation with the instructor).

Grades based on attendance/participation, completion of assignments, oral tests, presentations, and a final oral interview.

Text: All materials to be supplied by instructor during the course of the semester.

Prerequisites: Slavic 4 or consent of instructor.