It's All Greek To Me
Finally started classes this week. Two lectures and a seminar class, junior/senior year level, all in Russian. I think I got about 60% of what was said. Fortunately the professor for the two lectures was very nice and she said I should just come visit her during her office hours and she'll try to help me. In the lecture classes, which were Constitution of the Russian Federation and Theory of Law and Government, and which were basicly one long class, some of the students were giving reports on ancient law and codes, like Hammurabi and and some codes from the middle ages. Russian students talk during the lectures, and the professor just talks loud over them. I knew that this was normal here, but the extent of it was surprising. In the seminar "Image of Russia," which is about media reporting, this wasn't as prevalent, perhaps because it was a much smaller group or because the presenter was guest professional from the media. I will also have Russian language lessons three times a week, as I really need it. Fortunately, there is an Russian language instructor in my department, so it is very convenient. While a little scary, given my level of Russian, it is nice to have the suspense over with, and to know my schedule and actually move forward. I asked about what books I might need, the administrator told me to ask the professor, and the professor told me to ask my adviser, which I don't really have yet, I just work with the program administrator. It seems that here, they don't have a list of books neeeded for each course as in the US, I think the students just use the library, and the professor said some of the books are quite large, and it's easier to have the students make such reports in class, rather than having everyone read everything. Oh well, I'll find out more bout this soon. Sink or swim! I'm glad I'm doing this purely for gaining knowledge, rather than to get grades and a diploma, because I would be in trouble otherwise!
posted by Steve @ 13:23
1 comments
