COURSE GUIDE
| DEPARTMENT: Russian | INSTRUCTOR: Robert Beard |
| COURSE NUMBER: FN 098-10 (W-1) | TITLE: Russia and the Internet |
| SEMESTER OFFERED: Fall | PREREQUISITES: None |
| OFFERED NEXT YEAR? Yes | ENROLLMENT RESTRICTION: 18 |
- GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this course is to give a general overview of contemporary Russian cultural attitudes via the medium of the World Wide Web. Study of the Web itself will be of equal importance. It is designed primarily for those with little or no previous background in Russian studies. Historical, political, and economic issues will be dealt with in as much as they impinge on contemporary Russian reality. NO knowledge of Russian is required.
- DESCRIPTION OF SUBJECT MATTER
This course attempts to describe the Russians' world view through a composite approach; taking into consideration the historical, political, and economic reasons for the particular mind set. It examines Russian attitudes towards child-rearing, education, work, the family, religion, the state, the mass media, literature, and art. It also explores the impact of the World Wide Web on Russia and the rest of the world.
- METHOD OF INSTRUCTION AND STUDY
In addition to lectures, there will be emphasis on discussion of reading and materials presented in class such as slides, feature films and documents form and about Russia. There will be extensive used of Russian news and other resources on the World Wide Web, including radio broadcasts and English language news sites. Grading will be based on the extent and quality of class participation, class presentation, a mid-term, and a final examination.
- INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND SOURCES
Required reading:
The New Russians by Hedrick Smith
The Russian's World (only the English) by Genevre Gerhart
Russia Today (Russian news on the Web)
World Wide Web (Russian Program Web Site)
