University of Third Age (U3AC) www.u3ac.org.uk
First Floor, 27-28 Bridge Street, Cambridge CB2 1UJ
Tel: 01223 321 587; Email: office@u3ac.org.uk
1. Elementary Russian (RUS 01)
http://www.u3ac.org.uk/elementary-russianrus-01/
- Day and time: Tuesday 3:30 – 4:30
- Length of course: 3 terms
- Number of places: 8
- Start date: 11th October 2016
This course is suitable for people wishing to study Russian at a basic level; all the three language skills – speaking, reading and basic grammar – are studied. New students may join as long as they have a knowledge of the Russian alphabet. They should ring Mrs Heather for more information. Big emphasis on spoken language.
2. Russian Language Intermediate (RUS 02)
http://www.u3ac.org.uk/russian-language-intermediaterus-02/
- Day and time: Tuesday 2:05 – 3:30
- Length of course: 3 terms
- Number of places: 8
- Start date: 11th October 2016
This course is designed for students who have a working basic knowledge of Russian. Reading, speaking and listening skills are studied. Grammar also is taught where it is needed to support the other language skills. When it can be arranged, there are also oral lessons given by a native Russian language speaker, Svetlanа Mellusco. New students can ring the tutor, Bobbie Heather, for more information. Text book: Colloquial Russian 2, Le Fleming & Kay. Big emphasis on spoken language.
3. Reading Russian (RUS 03)
http://www.u3ac.org.uk/reading-russianrus-03/
- Day and time: Tuesday 10:15 – 12:00
- Length of course: 3 terms
- Number of places: 10
- Start date: 11th October 2016
This self-help group is for those who know enough of the language to enjoy reading the best of Russian fiction. Last year we enjoyed Lermontov’s A Hero of our Time. This year, we are planning to tackle Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. We choose a book by common consent and take turns in class to read aloud and translate from a section of the text agreed beforehand. We generally use editions with notes, vocabularies and stress markings. All discussion is in English. No teaching.
4. Russian Poetry (RUS 04)
http://www.u3ac.org.uk/russian-poetry-rus-04/
- Day and time: Alternate Tuesdays 2:00 – 3:00
- Length of course: 2 terms
- Number of places: 10
- Start date: 11th October 2016
A small group of Russian-speakers meet to read Russian poems for pleasure. Material is supplied by the convenor, but members often bring their own choice of poem. We would welcome input from native speakers or experts in Russian poetry, but are happy to enjoy exploring different authors and styles as the spirit moves us. Discussion is in English. No teaching.
I’ve been studying Russian at the U3AC for about 4 years, and although I think I have a reasonable grip on grammar, my vocab and conversational skills are poor. I,d like to sit in on next mondays class to see if its not too difficult for me, with a view, if you have room, to joining. Can this be done?
Dear Roger,
Perhaps you should write to the tutor, Alison Wilson, on aw444@cam.ac.uk
She should be able to tell you if a trial lesson is possible.
Good luck!
If you are not particularly interested in formal course, perhaps an informal conversation group is all you need to improve your Russian language skills.
There is also a Russian Conversational Exchange group that meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Waterstone’s cafe, Bridge Street, Cambridge. It is free and informal. Both native Russians and native Brits are welcome, and no-one needs to sign up in advance, just turn up. 🙂
Roger, the Conversational exchange could provide you with a good opportunity of practising and extending extending your knowlwdge of Russian. There are around 12-15 regular attendees with differing levels of Russian and English and you will be made very welcome.
Does the Russian Conversational Exchange group that meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Waterstone’s cafe, Bridge Street, Cambridge still exist, at the same time/place? We’d like to go tomorrow if so….
.
Indeed, it does. Your don’t need to sign up for it – just turn up any time between 10 and 12 on a Tuesday.