Academic Program
The Russian Language Institute (RLI) is a full eight-week program that is divided into two four-week sessions, each of which comprises one course. Students may enroll in the first session to receive credit for one course without completing the second session. Students who wish to enroll in the second session, which is a continuation of the first session, must seek approval from the program directors. Each course is credited at four semester hours; thus, the full eight-week program carries eight semester-hours of credit. Using the Bryn Mawr system, this translates into two units (one unit equals four semester-hours).
In-Person Course Offerings
A beginning-level course of Russian with strong emphasis on the development of oral and written communicative skills, development of basic vocabulary, and mastery of the writing system and grammatical structure. This course covers a full academic year of coursework. During the academic year this course meets eight hours per week. Textbooks used TBA.
Students in the Russian 001/002 course have the option to reside on campus in a Russian-only wing in the dorms for the duration of the program. Students who reside off campus should plan to be on campus from at least 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. In addition, it is recommended that students residing off campus attend extracurricular activities scheduled outside this time frame when possible.
Remote Only Course Offerings
A complete second-year Russian course emphasizing intermediate-level oral and written skills. Vocabulary study of up to 2,500 words, systematic grammar review, readings of expository and artistic prose of medium difficulty. Most aspects of the course are in Russian. This course covers a full academic year of coursework. During the academic year this course meets seven hours per week. Textbooks used TBA
Intensive practice in oral and written expression based on literary and non-literary texts of Modern Standard Russian. Emphasis is particularly on oral development. Almost all aspects of the course are in Russian. This course covers a full academic year of coursework. During the academic year this course meets five hours per week. Textbooks used are determined by instructor.
The course addresses topics in contemporary Russian society and culture at the advanced level of proficiency. A significant part of the course will be devoted to the study of style and syntax.also at the advanced level. The emphasis, therefore, will be on developing effective strategies for oral and written communication in various linguistic and cultural contexts. Textbooks used are determined by instructor.
Course Structure
All courses strongly emphasize the development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Modern Standard Russian within the context of a systematic and structured approach to the mastery of Russian grammar and vocabulary. Courses are team-taught.
Program Placement
All students who have taken the equivalent of at least one year of Russian will participate in pre- and post-program proficiency testing of oral, and, of reading competencies. Placement into appropriate course levels is dependent on each student's prior course work and personal goals in pursuing summer study.
Sample Daily Schedule (All times in EDT)
Schedules for in-person and remote may differ slightly.
| Before 10 a.m. | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| 10-11:10 a.m. | Class (in-person/remote) |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:40 p.m. | Class (in-person/remote) |
| 12:40 p.m.-1:40 p.m. | Russian Table (lunch; in-person only) |
| 1:40-2:50 p.m. | Class (in-person/remote) |
| 3-4:30 p.m. | Film screenings, guest lectures, study time (in-person/remote) |
| 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Tutoring sessions (in-person/remote) |
| 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:30-9 p.m. | Extracurricular activities or study time |
Apply to the Russian Language Institute
Ready to immerse yourself in Russian language and culture? Complete the Bryn Mawr College Russian Language Institute application today.
