RUSS GU4342

Fourth Year Russian improves and expands upon your knowledge of advanced grammar, such as participles. Also develops your understanding of cases, permitting you to form more complex questions and answers. I am more comfortable employing more elaborate sentences in order to convey meaning.

Participles, dative verbs, a lot of speaking skills

This semester we worked on expanding our vocabulary as well as solidifying grammar concepts/constructions from previous classes. We focused particularly on speech -- prepared and spontaneous.

Recommend this course to students that have a comfortable base with Russian grammar and who are not afraid to speak. Writing is important, but this class is designed to help enhance speaking. Those who are afraid to speak or prefer to simply read and write in Russian should avoid. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2021 Course: RUSSGU4342_001_2021_3-FOURTH-YEARRUSSIANI : RUSSGU4342_001_2021_3 - FOURTH-YEAR RUSSIAN I Instructor: Tatiana Mikhailova

This class has helped me learn complex grammatical concepts, expand my vocabulary, and learn about different political and cultural topics. I appreciated how Tatiana's lessons always mixed formal exercises--textbook dialogues, online grammar quizzes, etc.--with her own activities designed to teach us about life in Russia. As someone who has studied Russian politics and culture yet never traveled to a Russian speaking country, it was very interesting to me to learn about different issues and to hear the perspective of someone who has lived in Russia and is so knowledgeable about literature, film, etc. This class also helped me feel more confident in my speaking abilities, because our exams were in a debate format and there was a general focus on the ability to express and to respond to complex opinions.

Gained greater knowledge in Russian grammar and language, as well as culture and history through structured debates.

I learned so much from this class! The amount of time spent on grammar work was perfectly balanced with speaking and discussion time which was very useful. I felt that the classroom was always a safe space to try out new sentences and grammar concepts without being afraid of making mistakes, and I knew I would always receive help if needed.

I just think that 4th year Russian should be designed for students who have a certain skill and desire for the language. Just because you pass Russian 3 doesnt mean you have to, should, or would pass Russian 4.

This course had a heavy workload but has significantly improved my Russian skills. I am now confident enough to spontaneously express myself and to talk about complicated topics, whereas before I would get very anxious when speaking. I also learned a lot about Russian society and culture and expanded my vocabulary.

Take this course if you would like to strengthen your Russian skills in a safe and fun environment and have the time to put in the work outside of the classroom. Professor Tatiana Alekseevna is one of the best teachers I have ever had! 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2022 Course: RUSSGU4342_001_2022_3-FOURTH-YEARRUSSIANI : RUSSGU4342_001_2022_3 - FOURTH-YEAR RUSSIAN I Instructor: Tatiana Mikhailova