Development of elementary skills in Russian with emphasis on reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension. At the end of the year students will be able to express themselves in Russian and understand spoken and written Russian with some facility. They will also gain some knowledge of Russian culture and the Russian way of life.

Each lesson in the textbook is organized around a central theme, e.g.. The University, Speaking about Oneself. Dialogues for memorization and for listening, grammar and vocabulary explanations, listening, reading, and role-playing exercises are all contained in the main textbook; further oral and written exercises for home work are contained in the Lab Manual/Workbook. Cassettes for listening practice at home are available in the Instructional Media Services. Videos will occasionally be shown in or outside of class, and students will work on role-playing situations with partners outside of class.

The four class meetings per week are intended to allow a maximum exposure to the language and to give the student an opportunity to use Russian as much as possible. Class time is devoted to practicing the material prepared at home. There will be a short test on each lesson covered: 6 in the fall and 5 in the spring. Tests will involve a speaking a component as well as writing, reading, and listening. Written homework assignments, class participation, and participation in teaching assistant's sessions will also count towards final grade.

Golosa: A Basic Course in Russian, Book 1.
Lab Manual/ Workbook for Golosa.
Cassette tapes for Golosa.
George Mitrevski: Online excercises for Golosa