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Welcome
to the RUSSIAN DEPARTMENT!
With
the demise of the Soviet Union and resulting rapid expansion
in East-West activity, the ability to communicate in Russian
and knowledge of Russian culture have lost none of their importance
as the world prepares to enter the 21st century. There are
more contacts now with Russia and countries of the former
Soviet Union than ever before. Not only are American business,
science and technology clamoring for Russian speakers to work
in and with the new Russia, but Russian remains the lingua
franca for all the former Soviet republics as well.
Since
1987, Phillips Academy Russian students have enhanced their
knowledge of Russian language and culture through an official
cultural and educational exchange with the Scientific Study
Center at Novosibirsk State University in Siberia, Russia.
This term-long exchange (the only one of its kind offered
by an American high school) sends PA students of Russian to
attend classes at a prominent high school in Novosibirsk while
Russian high school students study here at Andover. Before
studying Russian, many consider it strange and difficult,
but its alphabet and vocabulary have the same sources as English,
and it follows many of the same principles of grammar. Continuous
oral, visual and instructional use quickly make Russian familiar
and enjoyable.
The
Russian department offers a five-year course of study. This
well-established program ensures confident progress in speaking,
aural comprehension, reading and writing. Elementary courses
use computer drills and presentations to strengthen grammar
skills and improve vocabulary learning. At the upper levels,
students use Russian word processors for their compositions.
Video is used throughout to improve understanding of culture
as well as language. Students who demonstrate unusual aptitude
and interest during the beginning of the first term of the
first year are invited to enter a special accelerated section.
It is the policy of the department to use Russian exclusively
in the classroom.
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