* While we accept registrations up to week two, please enroll at least a week before the start date. This is when class confirmation/cancellation decisions are made, and your registration can make a difference.  

 
Can-Do Statements: Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to: 

• Write their name in Russian 

• Demonstrate understanding of formal (вы) and informal “you” (ты) and appropriately use these two forms 

• Appropriately greet others and introduce themselves (formal/informal address) 

• Answer simple yes/no questions 

• Count from 0 to 20 

• State their nationality and ask others where they are from 

• Name family members and their occupations 

Use of the Language: This course has been designed in such a way that most of the class time will be devoted to communication and will be taught in the target language (i.e., the language that you are studying).  After being introduced to the language during the first class session, you are encouraged to use the target language as much as possible.  You are not expected to understand everything, and you can expect to be pushed beyond your comfort zone. However, your instructor is there to make sure you can succeed in meeting the goals of the activities and of the class in general.  Our goal is for you to be able to communicate in the target language, and we cannot learn to speak a language without speaking it.  Please remember that we learn best by making mistakes, and we encourage you to try to do your best.  Don’t forget that your instructor is there to support you in class and is also available via the Matrix messaging system for assistance.  

Tech Support: For any technology issues, initiate contact by submitting a ticket https://tiny.utk.edu/tlcsupport 

Technology Needed: 
 
For both online and in-person classes 
- Functioning desktop or laptop; tablets are not recommended, and phones are not a good option 

- Access to a stable Internet connection
 

For online classes - 

 - Webcam: we ask that you use your webcam in class as this helps to create a feeling of classroom community.  
- Microphone 
 
Digital literacies requirements 

- For both online and in-person classes, understanding of how to log in and navigate Matrix, our learning management system, to access resources (e.g., homework, eBook for Spanish, etc.); a Matrix Getting Started Guide is made available to students once the class is confirmed.  

- For online classes, several Zoom tutorials are available to learn basic skills (e.g., mute/unmute, turning camera on, use of chat, etc.): Zoom Tutorials 

 
Expectations/Time Commitment: To succeed in learning Russian, plan to spend ~45 minutes on homework each week, plus additional time as needed to study/memorize new vocabulary.  
 

Required Materials: (Note: the workbook may be purchased from the vendor of your choice; a possible source is linked below) 

Reading Russian Step-by-Step, Total Beginner Workbook, Natasha Alexandrova (ISBN-13: 978-0982304211)