The Slavonic Studies Section at the University of Cambridge offers the following non-Tripos (non-degree) courses, which are open to all members of the University:
Open Courses in Polish
These classes are primarily for students with little or no previous knowledge of Polish or for students who are building upon an elementary knowledge of the language. Both a beginner level class and an intermediate level class are on offer. Where possible, they can be tailored to suit student requirements.
The weekly classes will be scheduled as follows throughout the academic year. They begin in week one of the Michaelmas Term:
- Elementary A: Monday 12-1pm
- Elementary B: Monday 1-2pm
- Intermediate: Monday 2-3pm
Please note that class times may be subject to changes at the start of the academic year. Those interested in attending are advised to contact the Slavonic Studies Section in advance.
While course materials will be provided, students are encouraged to purchase their own Polish-English dictionary. To derive full benefit from the classes, learners should be prepared to engage in private study and practice. The Language Centre has additional self-study resources in Polish.
The aims of the beginner level open classes in Polish include:
- laying a foundation for an active use of the Polish language
- building an active vocabulary and developing communication skills for basic situations
- acquiring a command of the essentials of Polish grammar in order to cultivate translation skills
- introducing learners to aspects of Polish culture
The aims of the intermediate level open classes in Polish include:
- extending learners' command of Polish grammar and vocabulary
- developing oral and writing communications skills for a number of situations
- enhancing learners' understanding of the spoken language
- further increasing learners’ translating skills
- building on learners's knowledge and understanding of the culture of Poland
Assessment
End-of-year assessment will include both written and spoken tests. Students will be expected to:
- demonstrate knowledge of grammar
- translate a short unseen text
- read and answer questions on a short Polish text
- communicate on familiar, basic topics
A departmental certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the course.
The course will be open to all members of the University, but please note that numbers may be restricted.
Open Courses in Ukrainian
Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced Ukrainian courses will be offered to all members of the University community by Cambridge Ukrainian Studies, an academic centre in the Slavonic Studies Section of the University of Cambridge.
The Schedule:
The teaching of all levels of the Ukrainian Open Language Courses will begin in week one of the Michaelmas Term and are scheduled as follows throughout the academic year:
- Elementary: Group A - Thursday 3pm
- Elementary: Group B - Thursday 4pm
- Intermediate - Friday 3pm
- Advanced - Friday 4pm
Elementary Ukrainian
There are two tracks at this level, Elementary A and Elementary B.
Track A:
The course is designed for learners with little or no previous knowledge of Ukrainian and with no knowledge of another Slavonic language.
It aims to:
- provide a knowledge of the essentials of Ukrainian grammar and basic vocabulary
- enable learners to access straightforward written texts (with the aid of a dictionary)
- develop the ability to communicate, orally and in writing, in a number of straightforward situations
- introduce course participants to some aspects of the culture of Ukraine
- lay a foundation for further learning of the language.
The Elementary A course will consist of 20 weekly classes of one hour.
Track B:
The course is designed for learners with no previous knowledge of Ukrainian but with competence in another Slavonic language.
It aims to:
- provide a knowledge of the essentials of Ukrainian grammar and basic vocabulary
- develop the ability to communicate accurately, orally and in writing, in straightforward situations
- enable learners to access written texts (with the aid of a dictionary) up to an intermediate level of difficulty
- introduce course participants to some aspects of the culture of Ukraine
- lay a foundation for further learning of the language.
The Elementary B course will consist of 20 weekly classes of one hour.
Intermediate Ukrainian
The course is designed for those who have successfully completed the Elementary Ukrainian course, or who can demonstrate an equivalent knowledge of Ukrainian.
It aims to:
- extend learners' knowledge of Ukrainian grammar and vocabulary
- enable learners to access written texts of an intermediate level of difficulty (with the aid of a dictionary)
- enhance learners' understanding of the spoken language
- further develop the ability to communicate, orally and in writing, in a number of situations
- extend course participants’ knowledge and understanding of the culture of Ukraine.
The Intermediate course will consist of 20 weekly classes of one hour.
Advanced Ukrainian
The course is designed for those who have successfully completed the Intermediate Ukrainian course, or who can demonstrate an equivalent knowledge of Ukrainian.
It aims to:
- further extend learners' knowledge of Ukrainian grammar and vocabulary, and enhance accuracy in their use
- enable learners to access authentic written texts at a more advanced level of difficulty (with the aid of a dictionary)
- enhance learners' understanding of the spoken language in authentic situations, including longer and more complex discourse
- further develop the ability to communicate, orally and in writing, in a number of situations and to a high level of accuracy
- further extend course participants’ knowledge and understanding of the culture of Ukraine.
The Advanced course will consist of 20 weekly classes of one hour.
Course materials
At all levels course materials will be provided. Course participants will require a small Ukrainian-English dictionary which may be acquired through the department. Learners should be prepared to consolidate material covered in class through homework and private study. A list of suitable materials which can be used for self-study will be provided at the beginning of each course.
Assessment
The end-of-year assessment for each level will consist of an oral/aural test and a written examination (including tasks aimed at testing knowledge of grammar, translation, information retrieval and writing in Ukrainian).
A departmental certificate will be awarded on successful completion of the course.
Registering for the course
The courses are open to all members of the University (subject to availability of places). Those interested in attending the classes should contact the Slavonic Studies Section Office, in advance.
