30630 - Russian Language (LM)

Learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide students with an expert knowledge of linguistic and discursive aspects of contemporary Russian language from a mostly synchronic perspective. Moreover, students will acquire a basic competence in applying a diachronic approach to the study of the Russian language. Students will also learn how to use this theoretical background to analyze and translate authentic texts. Through classroom work (lectures + language course – Esercitazioni), students will also improve their active and passive abilities, progressing towards level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. As a result, they will be able to efficiently interpret sociolinguistic and cultural codes active in communication.

Course contents

Russian lexicon: from word formation processes to translation problems.

 

The first part of the course focuses on a very important and complex aspect of the Russian language: word formation. Hence, students will get acquainted with the main trends in contemporary Russian language as far as lexicon is concerned. During the second part of the course students will be encouraged to apply the theoretical notions regarding word formation in the context of translation from Russian to Italian.

The course is divided into three sequential blocks:

1. Word formation in Russian. Morphological and semantic-lexical aspects.

2. Translation theory, with a specific focus on Russian and Italian languages.

3. Workshop of translation from Russian into Italian language. Case study for translation: the prose of V. Sorokin.

 

ESERCITAZIONI (EXERCISES, 36 HOURS)

The language component of this course comprises 36 hours of classroom work (“Esercitazioni”) which focuses on Russian for Academic Purposes and places particular emphasis on the development of oral and writing skills. This component is an essential part of this course. The program is available at this link.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Compulsory readings

 

Topic 1: Russian word formation

1.1. Zemskaja, E. (2006) "Aktivnye processy v russkom slovoobrazovanii našego vremeni", Acta Neophilologica, 8, pp. 9-21.

1.2. Musatov V.N. (2010) Russkij jazyk: morfemika, morfonologija, slovoobrazovanie. Moskva: Flinta. [selected chapters available on "Virtuale"]

 

Topic 2: Theory of translation

2.1. Dobrovolskaja, Ju. Il russo: l'ABC della traduzione. Milano: Hoepli (various editions).

 

Topic 3: Translation seminar

3.1. Marchesini, I. (2018) Lo specchio del tempo. La permanenza del retaggio linguistico-culturale anticorusso nella prosa russa contemporanea. Roma: UniversItalia. [chapter on Sorokin]

Texts published in Open Access/ complying with authors' copyrights will be available on the virtual platform "Virtuale".

 

For further reading

1. Shanskij N.M. (1968) Russian Word Formation. Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1968.

2. Townsend C. (1975) Russian Word Formation. Columbus, Ohio: Slavica Publishers.

3. Laskareva, E.R. (2018) Čistaja grammatika. Moskva: Zlatoust (Grammar textbook for reference).

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, individual or peer-to-peer activities. A practical course ("Exercises" - "Esercitazioni", the program is available here) accompanies traditional lectures.

During the course, students will be encouraged to actively engage discussions on relevant topics. In the last third of the course, experts on Sorokin and translation theory are expected to meet students.

Assessment methods

Exam

Students are expected to pass a (1). written and an (2). oral exam.

The written exam will consist of a translation from Russian into Italian on the model of the texts analyzed during the translation workshop as in point 3). of the syllabus.

The oral exam can be accessed only after passing the written tests (translation and "esercitazioni"). During the oral exam students are expected to discuss their written tests, as well as the theoretical concepts as in points 1). and 2). of this syllabus.

The final mark will consist of the average between the written (50%) and the oral exams (50%).

Each exam session will offer one written examination date and two oral examination dates.

The mark obtained in written exams (translation + the esercitazioni component) will remain valid for 3 sessions, i.e. the chosen examination session + 2 following ones. Example: if a student sits the exam on January 2026, the mark will be valid until September 2026 (= Winter, Summer & Autumn sessions).

 

Evaluation

Evaluation of written and oral exams will be based on the following criteria: (i) knowledge of the course contents; (ii) appropriateness and coherence of the translation and argumentation; (iii) structure of the oral answers.

Students who write an excellent translation and demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the course contents, who actively participate in the lessons, who are logically coherent in their exposition and can problematize notions, will obtain an excellent mark.

To obtain an average mark, students have to demonstrate a good knowledge of most contents of the course and provide an adequate translation from Russian into Italian.

To obtain a pass mark, students have to demonstrate a basic knowledge of most contents of the course and write a good, readable translation from Russian to Italian.

Teaching tools

Use of audio-visual material, powerpoint presentations, e-learning platforms.

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Office hours

See the website of Irina Marchesini