Russian Stage Two: Welcome Back! (The Russian-american Collaborative Series: Russian in Stages: Stage Two)

AUTHORS:
Cynthia Martin, Ph.D., University of Maryland
Irina Dolgova, Ph.D., Yale University

Russian Stage Two: Welcome Back! is a video-based second-year course for learners of Russian at the intermediate level of study. The goal of this second-year course is to improve functional competence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing by: 1) activizing the base grammar generally covered in an elementary course; and 2) doubling the learner's active vocabulary to reach roughly 1,600-2,000 words. In terms of the ACTFL proficiency scale, the aim is to provide the learner with the tools necessary for attaining a solid intermediate mid-level of oral proficiency.

The course materials are based on a video series shot in Russia that takes us back to Russia to see how our friends from Russian Stage One are doing. The program consists of a main textbook, two student workbooks (one for each semester), DVD, and two audio CDs.

Features of the Third Edition:

• DVD will have additional video footage added in small segments to use with homework assignments - the videographer had too much good footage that didn't make it into the video storyline.
• Much expanded online Instuctor's Manual (IM) - a large selection of readings (history, current events, literature, etc) will be found to augment each lesson. The IM will continue to expand over the next year.
• Web links will be included in text and workbooks to guide students to great sites to learn history and Russian culture
• Content in course can be managed by the 3x a week format but additional materials will meet the needs of the 6x a week program.
• Greatly expanded listening activities which are interactive - not just imitation.
• Large Russian interactive pronunciation guide will be available at the Web site.
• Student projects include both individual and group projects.

Check out the first-year Russian programs as well:
Russian Stage One: Live from Russia! Vol. 1
Russian Stage One: Live from Russia! Vol. 2