St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University, Russia: Courses & Workshops

As a student on the St. Petersburg Summer Advantage program, you will be required to take Russian language courses. Forming the core of the curriculum, these courses stress phonetics, grammar and everyday language.

Classes are taught in small groups of 10 to 15. To achieve maximum benefit from instruction, teaching is in Russian. Language classes meet 14 academic hours a week, Monday to Friday mornings. An academic hour is 45 minutes of class. One credit hour is equal to 15 hours of class. In addition, 3 optional courses, taught in English, are offered: History of Russian Art, Contemporary Life in Russia and St. Petersburg’s Role in Russian History and Culture.

For-Credit Courses

Note: A placement test will be required when you arrive in St. Petersburg.

Russian Language

Intensive Russian Language—Elementary Level
Russian 101 (4)
This is a first year college level course for beginners, encompassing in Russian grammar, conversation, phonetics and writing practice.

Intensive Russian Language—Intermediate Level
Russian 201 (4)
This course covers grammar, composition, phonetics and techniques of written expression, with further development of vocabulary and pronunciation.

Intensive Russian Language—Advanced Level
Russian 301 (4)
Structural exercises in grammar, correct stylistic use of language (commercial, administrative, journalistic, familiar, colloquial, formal) is stressed with extensive written work.

Optional courses

History of Russian Art
Art History 203 (1)
Art development is traced starting with the most famous icon painters through the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Many works discussed are seen locally in exhibits at the Hermitage and Russian Museum. This course meets for 2 hours per week. Taught in English.

Contemporary Life in Russian
Political Science/Sociology 211 (2)
This course covers the major elements of contemporary Russian life: law, economics, government, health care, art and education. Topics include: Russian literature and journalism, the nationalities question since 1985 and economic effects of Perestroika. Content and teaching methods may be changed at the discretion of the University. This course meets for 4 hours per week. Taught in English.

St. Petersburg’s Role in Russian History and Culture
History 221 (2)
Topics include: St. Petersburg as the capital of the Russian Empire and home to major architectural and artistic monuments, the city as home to Pushkin, Dostoevsky, Brodsky and Shostakovitch. The course also looks at major figures in Russian history and their links with St. Petersburg. This course meets for 4 hours per week. Taught in English.

Please note students may not take both Political Science/Sociology 211 and History 221.