Russian BA
Program Purpose
1. Facilitate the acquisition and improvement of Russian language skills in all areas of competency: speaking, reading, writing and aural comprehension, including an understanding of the structure and history of the Russian language. Maintain commitment to the use of Russian as the language of instruction in core subjects.
2. Develop in students an appreciation of the highest attainments of Russian culture, particularly Russian literature. Through literature students penetrate most deeply into the profound thought and ideals of the Russian people and most fully engage in the liberal arts.
3. Encourage independent learning and critical thinking. Help students to develop strategies and techniques that will enable them to become lifelong learners.
Curricular Structure
Program's Catalog description.
Description of co-curricular activities designed to support program goals:
Study Abroad and Internships
The BYU Russian Section has a six-week study abroad program in Riga, Latvia and internship programs in Latvia and Kazakhstan. The internship is a robust twelve-week program offering a wide range of courses, including advanced ones for our majors.
Language Immersion Student Residence (LISR)
Living in the LISR (Russian House) has been one of the most important and successful aspects our departmental programs since the fall of 1978. Students living in the LISR are required to speak the target language exclusively. The program has proven especially successful in helping students without experience abroad compete with those who have it. The LISR consists of several apartments, each housing five students and one native speaker who takes part in all activities, including homework, family evenings, cultural presentations, shopping, and evening meals. Participants make measurable progress in vocabulary, oral fluency, and listening comprehension.
Student Club
The Russian Club is a student-run organization for students with a particular interest in Russian language or culture. Membership is open to all students, not just Russian majors or minors. The club sponsors cultural activities, lectures, social events, and film nights. It has also participated in service projects.
Guest Lectures
We invite one or two prominent speakers annually to address our students. The Russian Section has invited primarily literary scholars, most of whom were in the USA as guests of other universities or live here permanently.
Learning Outcomes
1. Language Proficiency
Students will be able to speak, listen, read, and write in Russian at the ACTFL Intermediate High level or better.
Students will be able to identify cultural practices (e.g., customs and traditions) and cultural products (e.g. literatures, arts, languages, institutions, and individuals) from the Russian-speaking world, place them in their historical, political, and social contexts, and analyze and interpret the unique perspectives on human experience that they reveal.
Students will be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, across a variety of genres on topics related to Russian culture, literature, and language. Their oral and written work will demonstrate information literacy, synthesis, careful analysis, critical thinking, coherent argumentation, and the ability to engage their audience.
Students will be able to articulate the value of their Russian major and the connection between their academic experience and their personal, spiritual, and professional goals.
Evidence of Learning
Direct Measures
1. traditional course-level assessment tools including oral and written exams, research papers and essays and oral presentations. (all outcomes)
2. essays and papers in Russian, including short analytical and research papers and position papers (1, 2, 3, 4)
3. oral presentations in Russian, to include presentations on literary figures and works, culture, history and linguistics (all outcomes)
4. capstone presentation and paper (1, 2, 3, 4)
5. OPI, random cross-section testing (1)
6. WPT, random cross-section testing (1, 3)
7. reading Examination, in development (1)
8. portfolio rubric (2, 3, 4)
Indirect Measures
1. entry survey (4)
2. exit survey to include: self evaluation of language skills, level of understanding and ability to participate in classes in Russian, the effect Russian literature has on their lives, lifelong learning strategies and materials (1, 2, 4)
3. alumni tracking survey (4)
4. questions contained in the portfolio dealing with self-reflection (4)
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
1. The Russian curriculum committee meets regularly, at least once per academic year, to review the section's curriculum and propose needed changes.
Fall assessment day: review of learning outcomes and measures of learning
Winter assessment day: review of fall semester portfolios
Annual assessment retreat: review of winter semester portfolios