Certificate in Russian Language

Program Overview

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The Certificate in Russian Language at the University of Illinois Chicago offers undergraduate students the opportunity to develop advanced proficiency in Russian language skills, gain a deeper understanding of Russian culture and society, and enhance their career prospects in fields requiring Russian language expertise. The program consists of 17 credit hours of coursework, including required courses in intermediate and advanced Russian, and a specialization in media and film, contemporary culture, or short stories.

Program Outline

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Certificate in Russian Language at the University of Illinois Chicago

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Degree Overview:

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The Certificate in Russian Language is designed for undergraduate students who want to develop intermediate to advanced proficiency in Russian.

The program offers students the opportunity to certify their language skills and gain valuable knowledge about Russian culture and society.

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Objectives:

• Develop advanced proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension in Russian.
• Gain a deeper understanding of Russian culture and society.
• Enhance career prospects in fields requiring Russian language skills.

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Program Description:

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The Certificate in Russian Language requires the completion of 17 credit hours in Russian language courses.

The program consists of:

• Required Courses:
• RUSS 103: Intermediate Russian I (4 credit hours)
• RUSS 104: Intermediate Russian II (4 credit hours)
• Choose one of the following advanced courses:
• RUSS 201: Advanced Russian through Media and Film (3 credit hours)
• RUSS 202: Advanced Russian through Contemporary Culture (3 credit hours)
• RUSS 203: Advanced Russian through Short Stories (3 credit hours)
• Eligibility:
• Open to undergraduate students in all colleges.
• Students pursuing the major in Polish, Russian, and Central and Eastern European Studies or minor in Russian Studies are not eligible for the Certificate in Russian Language.
• The Minor in Central and Eastern European Studies may be completed in addition to the Certificate in Russian Language only if no courses overlap between the two programs.
• Credit Transfer:
• Test credit (AP/IB), proficiency exam (Seal of Biliteracy), or retroactive credit for RUSS 103 and/or RUSS 104 may be used to satisfy certificate requirements.
• At least half of the hours required for the certificate must be completed in enrollment residence at UIC.

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Outline:

The program follows a structured outline, focusing on developing language proficiency through various modules:

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Module 1: Foundations of Russian Language:

• Covers essential grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation skills.

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Module 2: Intermediate Russian:

• Expands vocabulary and grammar knowledge.
• Introduces reading and writing skills in Russian.
• Develops conversational skills through dialogues and role-playing.

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Module 3: Advanced Russian:

• Enhances fluency and accuracy in spoken and written Russian.
• Explores advanced grammar structures and vocabulary.
• Develops critical thinking skills through discussions and analysis of various texts.

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Module 4: Specialization:

• Students choose one of three advanced courses to specialize in a specific area of interest:
• Media and Film
• Contemporary Culture
• Short Stories
Each specialized module focuses on developing language skills in the chosen context, providing students with insights into Russian culture and society.

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Assessment:

The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student progress and achievement:

• Formative assessments: Regular quizzes, assignments, and class participation to provide continuous feedback and identify areas for improvement.
• Summative assessments: Midterm and final exams to assess overall understanding of the course material and language proficiency.
• Presentations and projects: Opportunities to demonstrate language skills and knowledge in a creative and engaging manner.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and ensure effective language acquisition:

• Interactive lectures: Engaging and interactive lectures to introduce new concepts and vocabulary.
• Small group discussions: Collaborative learning activities to practice communication skills and critical thinking.
• Authentic materials: Use of authentic Russian texts, media, and films to provide real-world exposure to the language and culture.
• Individualized feedback: Regular feedback and guidance from instructors to support individual progress.
The program boasts experienced and qualified faculty with expertise in Russian language and culture. They are dedicated to creating a supportive learning environment and fostering student success.

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Careers:

The Certificate in Russian Language opens doors to various career paths in fields such as:

• International Relations: Work as diplomats, translators, or interpreters for government agencies or international organizations.
• Business: Utilize language skills to facilitate communication and collaboration with Russian companies or clients.
• Education: Teach Russian language and culture at schools, universities, or language institutes.
• Research: Conduct research on Russian language, literature, or history.
• Media and Journalism: Work as journalists, translators, or editors for media outlets focusing on Russia or Eastern Europe.
The program enhances career prospects by providing students with valuable language skills and cultural knowledge, making them highly competitive in various fields.

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Other:

• The program offers students the opportunity to participate in study abroad programs in Russia, further immersing themselves in the language and culture.
• Students can also engage in extracurricular activities related to Russian culture, such as film clubs, language exchange programs, and cultural events.
The Certificate in Russian Language provides students with a comprehensive and enriching learning experience, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.