2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

SLAV3120 The Structures of Russian

20 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr James Wilson
Email: j.a.wilson@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

An intermediate level of Russian language.

This module is mutually exclusive with

SLAV2120	The Structures of Russian
SLAV2125	The Structures of Russian

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module focuses on grammatical structures of Russian, for which interesting variation is observed. By using corpus tools and other relevant software you will explore this variation and see nuances of use that are not covered on core language programmes and that are not considered in depth in learner grammars or other language manuals. You will learn to use several tools and resources for linguistic analysis. In particular, you will work with corpora to analyse authentic Russian language examples to describe and, where possible, explain language variation. You will also be introduced to key concepts and issues in corpus linguistics. The module is of practical value to your general Russian language studies and the practical skills acquired are transferable to the analysis of other languages.

Objectives

The module aims to introduce students to:
• variation in grammatical structures in Russian;
• language variation and change in Russian;
• corpus linguistics;
• tools and resources for compiling and analysing corpora of authentic Russian texts.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should:
1. demonstrate a good understanding of complex structures of Russian grammar and of language variation and change in Russian more generally;
2. demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate key arguments and perspectives in relevant scholarship.
3. demonstrate the ability to use corpus software and related programs for language learning and linguistic purposes and to compile, upload and analyse their own corpora;
4. demonstrate skills essential to produce an extended piece of academic writing on topics in Russian linguistics, using correct linguistic notation and appropriate discipline-specific terminology;
5. demonstrate the ability to disseminate research orally in a conference-style formal presentation.
6. have developed advanced independent learning skills transferable to other languages.

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module students should:
• show advanced research skills;
• demonstrate an ability to disseminate independent research in a formal oral presentation;
• have acquired advanced linguistic and analytical skills;
• be able to engage in critical debate around issues on Russian and Slavonic linguistics;
• demonstrate the capacity for independent thought and judgement;
• be able to produce a piece of extended academic writing using correct linguistic notation and appropriate discipline-specific vocabulary.

Syllabus

The module is structured around the following broad topics:
• variation in Russian grammar;
• language variation and change in Russian;
• corpus linguistics and tools used for building and analysing corpus data;
• Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and its application in Russian language pedagogy.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	20	1.00	20.00
Private study hours			0.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			20.00

Private study

180 hours of independent study (reading for seminars = 120 hours; completing formative assignments = 60 hours) to supplement in-class tuition. Students are expected to carry out weekly homework assignments and revise material covered in class on a regular basis.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students will complete a project case study (1000 words) at the end of semester 1. Students’ progress will also be monitored via:
• weekly homework tasks
• contributions to seminar discussions
Staff are available in their Office Hours for further guidance.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	4000 words	80.00
Presentation	Oral presentation: 15 minutes (conference format)	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 24/05/2024

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