126-226 Reading Russian for Social Scientists A

Formerly 126-162. Students who have completed 126-162 are not permitted to enrol in this subject.

This subject introduces students with no prior knowledge of Russian to Russian social science texts (texts on current affairs, history, politics, sociology, geography etc.). It provides students with the basic grammatical tools and vocabulary needed to gain a passive knowledge of Russian in order for them to be able to read such texts with the aid of a dictionary. By the end of the subject, students should be able to read, understand and translate into English Russian texts of moderate difficulty with the aid of a dictionary.

• be able to study independently;

• be able to apply theoretical knowledge for practical purposes;

• be to commit to memory large amounts of information;

• be able to understand and use more effectively the structure of their own language;

• be able to engage in an independent study of other Slavic and non-Slavic languages for reading purposes.

Regular assignments totalling 2000 words 50% and a 2-hour exam 50% (at the end of semester).