Picturing Russia: A Research Guide to Russian Culture

Author(s): Alla Kourova

Edition: 1

Copyright: 2016

Pages: 143

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$68.30

ISBN 9781465298737

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The present book is about understanding and studying Russian Culture. Picturing Russia: A Research Guide to Russian Culture can be used as a basic for further research of Russian culture by scholars of various disciplines and by students who are interested in cultural analysis.  The primary target audience is for any American university level classroom; however, it may also be used at the high school level. In the classroom, the book may be used in different courses such as Russian language, history, art, literature, music, political science, and even business.

The book may also be used beyond the classroom, such as for Study Abroad programs in Russia, in clubs or in the wider community. The book is suitable for any individual interested in understanding Russian culture or planning to travel to Russia for business or pleasure. It can also be used in Russian universities for students who study English as a foreign language. Russian teachers of English as a Foreign Language have difficulties in teaching Russian students to describe Russian realities in English. Because all of the English language textbooks for Russian learners concentrate on American or British lifestyles, holidays, and traditions.

The book will include several power points and digital story based on the experience American students have had while in Russia.

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Language as a Tool of Culture—Linguistic Experiment

Chapter 3 24 Russian Ways: A Cross-Cultural Study

Chapter 4 Differences between Russian and American Values

Chapter 5 Five Facts to Know about Russia

1. Literature

a. Leo Tolstoy

b. Alexander Pushkin

c. Fyodor Dostoyevsky

d. Anton Chekhov

2. Architecture

a. Moscow

a.1. The Kremlin Cathedral Square

a.2. Moscow’s Tall Buildings

a.3. Moscow’s Parks and Squares

b. Saint Petersburg

b.1. European Influence

b.2. Canals and Bridges

b.3. Peterhof

b.4. Tsarskoye Selo

3. Music

a. Pyotr Tchaikovsky

b. Alla Pugacheva

c. Vladimir Vysotsky

d. Lyube

e. Pussy Riot

4. Art

a. Portraits

b. Landscapes

c. Action Shots

5. A Brief History of Religion and its Influence on Culture

a. Cathedrals

Chapter 6 Lesson plans

References

Alla Kourova

Dr. Alla Kourova, a luminary in the realm of language education, has graced the halls of the University of Central Florida as an esteemed associate professor since 2007. Her academic journey blossomed at Moscow State University, where she attained her Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching Foreign Languages, a testament to her lifelong commitment to linguistic mastery. 

For over a decade, Dr. Kourova steered the helm of the International Linguistic Center at the Regional In-Service Teacher Training Institute in Penza, Russia, nurturing minds and shaping futures. Her teaching odyssey spans over three decades, crossing international borders and embracing diverse educational landscapes. Dr. Kourova’s philosophy transcends conventional pedagogies, championing dynamic, multifaceted approaches to language learning and fostering cross-cultural dialogues. Her teachings and publications are not just sources of knowledge but beacons of enlightenment in the academic world. 

In 2002, Dr. Kourova’s scholarly pursuits were further illuminated as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Montana, a journey sponsored by the American Council and the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. Her intellectual vigor is reflected in her prolific authorship, having penned over 50 publications that delve into the intricacies of language teaching and cross-cultural communication. 

Dr. Kourova’s brilliance has been recognized through a constellation of accolades, including the University Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, the Scholarship for Teaching and Learning Award, the Teaching Incentive Program Award, and the prestigious Excellence in Research and Critical Languages of Florida Award. As a Principal Investigator, her talent in securing funding shines bright, with nine external grants to her name, including the US-Russia Dialogue Program, STARTALK, and the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program. 

Her achievements are not confined to academia alone; Dr. Kourova’s collaborative spirit has woven a rich tapestry of partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the Peace Corps, the Fulbright Institution of International Education, American Council for International Education, and the Open World Foundation. Her pedagogical credo is teaching language through culture.

The present book is about understanding and studying Russian Culture. Picturing Russia: A Research Guide to Russian Culture can be used as a basic for further research of Russian culture by scholars of various disciplines and by students who are interested in cultural analysis.  The primary target audience is for any American university level classroom; however, it may also be used at the high school level. In the classroom, the book may be used in different courses such as Russian language, history, art, literature, music, political science, and even business.

The book may also be used beyond the classroom, such as for Study Abroad programs in Russia, in clubs or in the wider community. The book is suitable for any individual interested in understanding Russian culture or planning to travel to Russia for business or pleasure. It can also be used in Russian universities for students who study English as a foreign language. Russian teachers of English as a Foreign Language have difficulties in teaching Russian students to describe Russian realities in English. Because all of the English language textbooks for Russian learners concentrate on American or British lifestyles, holidays, and traditions.

The book will include several power points and digital story based on the experience American students have had while in Russia.

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Language as a Tool of Culture—Linguistic Experiment

Chapter 3 24 Russian Ways: A Cross-Cultural Study

Chapter 4 Differences between Russian and American Values

Chapter 5 Five Facts to Know about Russia

1. Literature

a. Leo Tolstoy

b. Alexander Pushkin

c. Fyodor Dostoyevsky

d. Anton Chekhov

2. Architecture

a. Moscow

a.1. The Kremlin Cathedral Square

a.2. Moscow’s Tall Buildings

a.3. Moscow’s Parks and Squares

b. Saint Petersburg

b.1. European Influence

b.2. Canals and Bridges

b.3. Peterhof

b.4. Tsarskoye Selo

3. Music

a. Pyotr Tchaikovsky

b. Alla Pugacheva

c. Vladimir Vysotsky

d. Lyube

e. Pussy Riot

4. Art

a. Portraits

b. Landscapes

c. Action Shots

5. A Brief History of Religion and its Influence on Culture

a. Cathedrals

Chapter 6 Lesson plans

References

Alla Kourova

Dr. Alla Kourova, a luminary in the realm of language education, has graced the halls of the University of Central Florida as an esteemed associate professor since 2007. Her academic journey blossomed at Moscow State University, where she attained her Doctor of Philosophy in Teaching Foreign Languages, a testament to her lifelong commitment to linguistic mastery. 

For over a decade, Dr. Kourova steered the helm of the International Linguistic Center at the Regional In-Service Teacher Training Institute in Penza, Russia, nurturing minds and shaping futures. Her teaching odyssey spans over three decades, crossing international borders and embracing diverse educational landscapes. Dr. Kourova’s philosophy transcends conventional pedagogies, championing dynamic, multifaceted approaches to language learning and fostering cross-cultural dialogues. Her teachings and publications are not just sources of knowledge but beacons of enlightenment in the academic world. 

In 2002, Dr. Kourova’s scholarly pursuits were further illuminated as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Montana, a journey sponsored by the American Council and the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. Her intellectual vigor is reflected in her prolific authorship, having penned over 50 publications that delve into the intricacies of language teaching and cross-cultural communication. 

Dr. Kourova’s brilliance has been recognized through a constellation of accolades, including the University Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award, the Scholarship for Teaching and Learning Award, the Teaching Incentive Program Award, and the prestigious Excellence in Research and Critical Languages of Florida Award. As a Principal Investigator, her talent in securing funding shines bright, with nine external grants to her name, including the US-Russia Dialogue Program, STARTALK, and the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program. 

Her achievements are not confined to academia alone; Dr. Kourova’s collaborative spirit has woven a rich tapestry of partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the Peace Corps, the Fulbright Institution of International Education, American Council for International Education, and the Open World Foundation. Her pedagogical credo is teaching language through culture.