Russian Beginner 2 (LAS189)

Assuming successful completion of the corresponding Autumn semester unit for this level (ie Beginner 1), a GCSE grade E or 2 in the language or equivalent learning experience at level A1- of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), this unit aims to consolidate a general foundation in the language and culture in order to cope with a range of predictable, everyday communicative situations encountered when interacting at a basic level, orally and in writing, with sympathetic native speakers during, for instance, a brief visit abroad. 

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

• perform at Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• understand and make themselves understood orally by a sympathetic native speaker in simple, routine, predictable situations, requesting or providing factual information, and coping with unfamiliar language or unexpected responses by asking for repetition or clarification
• read aloud and extract key information from short, simple texts and written documents (messages, notices, instructions, brochures, etc.)
• talk about holidays (e.g. places they visited, food they ate) in the past and the weather
• write simple notes, messages and short personal letters or emails (e.g. write a postcard to a friend, fill in a simple form)
• demonstrate a basic insight into the most common aspects of the culture and everyday life in the target country so as to react appropriately in simple situations
• demonstrate a practical understanding of essential grammar terminology and a basic ability to study the language by themselves, using essential tools such as the World Wide Web or a dictionary and developing techniques for the acquisition and retention of new language
• demonstrate awareness in a number of transferable skills such as IT skills, presenting information, handling simple unexpected communicative situations, taking intercultural differences and language barriers into account, learning independently, etc.