Russian in Central Asia Summer Program

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Academic Program

Russian Language Courses
Beginner Russian: Multiculturalism in Central Asia (4 credits)
As an international language, Russian is often present in the linguistic landscape of other cultures. In Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek is a city where Russian is broadly spoken at home, in the streets, business and administrative offices, and places of leisure and entertainment. This eight-week course introduces students to the foundations of the Russian language and its versatile applications within the context of the vibrant multicultural environment of Bishkek. While focused on such basics as the elementary reading and conversation skills, beginner vocabulary of 1,000 words, and fundamental grammar with an emphasis on case structure, basic conjugation patterns, aspect, and verb tenses, Beginner Russian also aims to engage students in the gradually more sophisticated communication with their peers, host families, and other members of the community. The instruction is centered around oral and written exercises, special mnemonic techniques, dialogues, group work, and role play. Students’ performance is evaluated through vocabulary and grammar quizzes, oral presentations, and short essays. 

Beginner to Intermediate: Transitional Russian Language Course (4 Credits)
The course aims to improve communication, reading, and writing skills of students who have completed two semesters of Russian studies at their home institutions. All coursework is done in preparation for an Intermediate-level Russian language study in the fall. The goal of the course is to bring students’ vocabulary and grammar to a more sophisticated level, expanding their beginner lexicon of approximately 800-1,000 words to twice as much through eight weeks of dialogues, hands-on reading and comprehension exercises, writing drills, and other activities. The language activities are connected to the group’s exposure and on-site investigations of the history, natural environment, lifestyle, and unique cultural atmosphere of Kyrgyzstan.

On the Road to Proficiency: Russian from Intermediate to Advanced (4 credits)
Geared towards second-year students of Russian who are planning to expand their oral and written literacy and gain vernacular competence, this course serves as a bridge between Intermediate and advanced levels of language study. It consists of several units, each aiming to develop skills in reading, listening comprehension, conversation, and academic writing. Students are challenged to explore the Russian language from a variety of perspectives: cultural, linguistic, artistic, sociological, and political. One of the goals of the course is to help redirect the students from merely acquiring the Russian vocabulary towards learning idiomatic expressions, idiosyncratic patterns of speech, and syntactical models unique to the Russian language. In addition to the regular coursework, there are special activities in creative self-expression and cross-cultural dialogue with an emphasis on Kyrgyz and Russian cultures.

Post-Soviet Central Asia: Sovereignty, Community, and Cultural Self-Expression (4 Credits)
This course addresses a variety of topics that are essential for the students’ in-depth understanding of Kyrgyzstan and its region, such as the incorporation of parts of Central Asia into the Russian Empire, Bolshevik reforms and practices, the Soviet concept of nationalities and the nationalist policies of the Soviet state, as well as Perestroika and the collapse of the Soviet Union. The course explores dramatic transformations, including the recasting of traditional cultures, experienced by the Kyrgyz and other Central Asian peoples under the Soviet rule, the development of Soviet-style professional infrastructures and networks, the processes of ethnic and religious awakening, and the revival of Islam and Islamic values in the socio-political life of the region. The curriculum further reflects on nation and state-building in the newly independent states of Central Asia, their recent political and economic developments, and their relationships with Russia and other political actors in Eurasia. This course is taught in English.

Sample Daily Schedule:
9:00 – 10:10: Russian Language
10:25 – 11:45: Russian Language
11:50 – 1:20: Post-Soviet Central Asia
1:30 – 2:15: Russian Table Lunch
2:15 – 3:15: Homework Session
3:15 – 5:30: Excursion