Chronologically presented is the slow development of Russian language instruction in America from the latter part of the 18th century at Kodiak, Alaska, to the establishment of large undergraduate departments at leading universities. The influence of Harvard University, the University of California, Columbia University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Pennsylvania is well documented. Sputnik of 1957 serves as a major chronological division in this historical overview. Economic, political, cultural, and religious influences behind the growth of Russian study and forces opposed to its expansion are given detailed attention. Appendixes list past and present officers of the American Association of Teachers of Slavic and East European Languages. An extensive index is included.

This collection provides a comprehensive overview of Russian language research in Canada and Russia, with a focus on elements of structure, as well as on language dynamics and change.

The contributors in this interdisciplinary collection address the problem of interconnection between the study of the “Other,” either Russian or American, and the shaping of national identities in the two countries at different stages of US–Russian relations. The focus of research interests were typically determined by the political and social debates in scholars’ native countries. In this book, leading Russian and American scholars analyze the problems arising from these intersections of academic, political, and sociocultural contexts and the implicit biases they entail. The book is divided into two parts, the first being a historical overview of past configurations of the interrelationship between fields and agendas, and the second covering the role of institutionalized area studies in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries.In both parts the role of the “human factor” in the study of mutual representations is elucidating.

Learn Russian in 4 Simple Steps. With Living Language Complete Russian: The Basics, you’ll start by learning words, and then you’ll progress to phrases, sentences, and conversations. This simple four-step building block approach will have you speaking with confidence right from the beginning, and you’ll be able to learn gradually and effectively. If you’re confident in your pronunciation, then this coursebook includes everything you need - vocabulary, grammar, culture, and practice. But you can also use this book along with the four hours of recordings included in the Living Language Complete Russian: The Basics compact disc package, which also includes a handy learner’s dictionary. This comprehensive coursebook includes: •40 step-by-step lessons •Practical vocabulary and authentic everyday usage •Simple explanations and plenty of examples •Supplemental sections, including e-mail and internet resources •A comprehensive grammar reference section

Sputnik Part 2 is the second volume of an introductory Russian course designed to develop basic reading, writing, listening and communication skills. The author provides a step-by-step introduction to Russian with clear and simple explanations of grammar and sentence structure. Audio materials recorded by professional Russian narrators and actors help learners to acquire proper pronunciation. Interactive online activities and a friendly interface for learners and instructors with automatic grading of exercises and tests are designed to support effective learning and teaching. Dr. Rochtchina teaches Russian at the University of Victoria, Canada. She is also known for her online tutorial RussianForEveryone.com, which is visited by 300,000 people each year from all over the world.