Module manager: Dr James Wilson
Email: j.a.wilson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
An intermediate level of Russian language.
| SLAV2120 | The Structures of Russian |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module focuses on grammatical structures of Russian, for which interesting variation is observed. By using corpus tools and other relevant software you will explore this variation and see nuances of use that are not covered on core language programmes and that are not considered in depth in learner grammars or other language manuals. You will learn to use several tools and resources for linguistic analysis. In particular, you will work with corpora to analyse authentic Russian language examples to describe and, where possible, explain language variation. You will also be introduced to key concepts and issues in corpus linguistics. The module is of practical value to your general Russian language studies and the practical skills acquired are transferable to the analysis of other languages. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
The module aims to introduce you to:
• variation in grammatical structures in Russian;
• language variation and change in Russian;
• corpus linguistics;
• tools and resources for compiling and analysing corpora of authentic Russian texts.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. identify and discuss cases of variation in Russian grammar;
2. use corpus software and related programs for language learning and linguistic purposes and to compile, upload and analyse their own corpora;
3. produce an extended piece of academic writing on topics in Russian linguistics, using correct linguistic notation and appropriate discipline-specific terminology.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
4. critically evaluate key arguments and perspectives in relevant scholarship;
5. disseminate research orally in a conference-style formal presentation;
6. sustain an analytical argument in written work
On completion of this module students should:
• show advanced research skills;
• demonstrate an ability to disseminate independent research in a formal oral presentation;
• have acquired advanced linguistic and analytical skills;
• be able to engage in critical debate around issues on Russian and Slavonic linguistics;
• demonstrate the capacity for independent thought and judgement;
• be able to produce a piece of extended academic writing using correct linguistic notation and appropriate discipline-specific vocabulary.
The module is structured around the following broad topics:
• variation in Russian grammar;
• language variation and change in Russian;
• corpus linguistics and tools used for building and analysing corpus data;
• Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and its application in Russian language pedagogy.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seminar | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
180 hours of independent study (reading for seminars = 120 hours; completing formative assignments = 60 hours) to supplement in-class tuition. Students are expected to carry out weekly homework assignments and revise material covered in class on a regular basis.
Students will complete a formative project case study. Students’ progress will also be monitored via:
· weekly homework tasks
· contributions to seminar discussions
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Language report | 80 |
| Coursework | Oral presentation | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team