Moscow

Sponsored by the University of New Haven

May 26-June 6 (New Haven); June 14-June 29, 2008 (Moscow)

The beginning of the 21^st century is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic periods in Russian history.  The collapse of communism in the world's largest country and the resulting social, cultural and economic transitions have produced profound changes for its people and immense challenges for Russia's future. "UNH in Moscow" is an intensive 3.5 week elementary language and culture immersion program that provides an in-depth introduction to Russia's cultural heritage and investigates its role in contemporary Russian society.

Join us for 10 days in New Haven and 2 weeks in Moscow this June and learn Russian while exploring vibrant metropolis of Moscow: its markets, theatres, museums, beautiful metro, the homes of Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Chekhov, monasteries, and villages. We will see the spectacular "white nights" of St. Petersberg during a two day excursion to this "Venice of the North". Highlights include a hydroplane boat ride to Peter's summer palace, the Winter Palace, the Peter Paul fortress, and a evening boat tour of the canals.  

In Russia we will be hosted by Lomonosov Moscow State University. Conveniently located on green hills that look over the city, the MSU was founded in 1755 and is the oldest and most famous university in Russia.

Courses (Choose 2 for a total of 6 credits. All students must take "Russian Culture and Society"):

• Special Topics: Intensive Elementary Russian I (3c): Fundamentals of Russian grammar and basic conversation. Students will learn how to function in typical everyday situations, such as sightseeing, greetings/introductions/departures, restaurants, the theater, stores, and the market place. Classroom instruction is combined with daily field work in the streets, markets, and museums of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the countryside outside of Moscow. No Russian necessary.
• Special Topics: Intensive Elementary Russian II (3c): Continued work on the fundamentals of Russian grammar and basic conversation. Students will learn how to function in typical everyday situations, such as sightseeing, greetings/introductions/departures, restaurants, the theater, stores, and the market place. Classroom instruction is combined with daily field work in the streets, markets, and museums of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the countryside outside of Moscow. Requirement: One year of Russian at UNH or equivalent.
• Special Topics: Russian Culture and Society (in English and Russian)(3c). This course provides a general introduction to Russia's cultural past and to important aspects of private and social life in Russia from the Soviet period to the present day. A central topic is the preservation of Russian customs, belief systems and cultural heritage in the face of social change and cultural development in contemporary Russia. Visits to museums, galleries, theaters, a monastery, the Kremlin, a craft market, the countryside, and to St. Petersburg will supplement course lectures.