Learn Russian

General Information

Russian is an East Slavic language and is spoken in regional dialects. The modern dialect of Moscow is used in the Washington Academy of Languages' instructional programs. Because Russian has a different alphabet, it takes more time to master than does, for example, a Romance language.

At Washington Academy of Languages, each class is divided into a communicative and an explanatory module. During the communicative modules, the focus is on active use of the language. Russian is the medium of instruction so that participants become used to hearing the language spoken at natural speeds and continually work on developing fluency. Exchanges center on useful topics and problem-solving activities. Explanations consist of instruction in grammar and pronunciation practice; this module is incorporated into the program when necessary. These modules are kept distinct because of our commitment to use of the language in the classroom.

As a component to the language instruction, aspects of the culture are continually integrated into the program. Role playing, dialogues, etiquette and information are discussed and practiced, as appropriate.

Textbook for all levels of Russian: V. Kostomavov, ed., Russian for Everybody. Moscow: Russky Yazyk Publishers, 1992.   Available for purchase from WAL.

Russian I

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks

This course begins with an introduction to the Slavic languages and their differentiation from the Germanic languages. Participants learn the Cyrillic alphabet along with Russian pronunciation and intonation. Formal and informal forms of address are introduced as well. Every lesson contains dialogues, followed by drills aimed at activating set expressions and conversational patterns which occur in the dialogues. Practical contexts are provided in which to introduce basic grammar, nouns and their gender, pronouns, prepositional cases and the conjugation of verbs in the present tense. By the end of this five-week course, participants will have acquired a sufficient working vocabulary to give and receive polite greetings, to ask and answer simple questions, and to respond to simple interrogative and descriptive statements regarding such topics as family, life, and work. Simple telephone conversations are also included.

Chapters: 1-4
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Russian II

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of Russian I or instructor's permission

Participants in this course review and solidify the material learned in Russian I and continue to build their working knowledge of the language, as it is used in everyday situations. Vocabulary development is emphasized. Structurally, material covered includes conjugation of verbs, questions about location and direction, adjective endings in the nominative case, the accusative case of personal and interrogative pronouns, past tense, the accusative case of nouns and adjectives derived from nouns. Topics covered in this level are home, understanding Russian, one's daily routine, the weekend and discussing one's favorite television program and newspaper.

Chapters: 5-8
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Russian III

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of Russian II or instructor's permission

At this level, participants become proficient enough in Russian to be able to communicate with others about such topics as schedules, shopping, meeting people and cooking. Structurally the accusative case of special modifiers, the dative case of pronouns and indirect objects, and imperfective future are introduced. Imperfective and perfective verb stems and the future tense are also studied. By the end of this term students will be able to read short stories and write descriptive letters, stories and essays.

Chapters: 9-12
This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Russian IV

30 hours of instruction/5 weeks
Prerequisite: Completion of Russian III or instructor's permission

This course reviews grammar presented in previous levels and introduces prepositional case forms of special modifiers and the dative case of nouns. Indirect speech, impersonal constructions, the prepositional case of personal and interrogative pronouns, and special modifiers are also studied. During this course, participants further develop their facility in discussing recreational and cultural interests and events, particularly those related to popular Russian culture. Famous Russian artists and writers are discussed. Vocabulary development also continues to focus on both spoken and written contexts.

This course may be taken for 4 quarter units of university credit.

Audio cassette tapes are available to enrolled students for a refundable deposit.