Re-imagining Russian Language Curricula: Cross-cultural Dialogues and Innovative Pedagogies

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Brief Description

The teaching of Russian is evolving to include a wider range of perspectives and methods, moving away from traditional approaches to reflect the diversity of Russian-speaking communities. The roundtable focuses on new approaches to curriculum design that deepen cultural engagement and incorporate innovative teaching strategies. It highlights the importance of integrating diverse cultural narratives and historical contexts, demonstrating how global interactions and new resources can improve Russian language teaching and learning. This roundtable will consist of three presentations, each highlighting a unique approach to curriculum design or resource development for Russian language teaching:
1. Cultural Connections Between Russia and Mexico in Russian Language Education.
2. A New Free, Open, Online Textbook: 'Diverse Russian: A Multicultural Exploration'.
3. Inclusive Approaches in the Second Edition of 'Russian: From Intermediate to Advanced'.
Presentations will be followed by a discussion where participants are invited to share their insights, experiences, and questions about the innovative strategies presented. Participants will explore the benefits of incorporating multicultural perspectives into their curricula, discuss challenges they might face in implementation, and consider the impact of these approaches on student engagement and understanding. The roundtable aims to foster a community of practice that supports the ongoing development of more inclusive, effective, and engaging Russian language teaching methodologies.

Sub Unit

• Linguistics/Language Pedagogy/Translation

Chair

• Rachel Stauffer, Virginia Tech

Roundtable Members

• Nila Friedberg, Portland State U

• Anna Kudyma, UCLA

• Shannon Quinn, Michigan State U

• Anna Tumarkin, U of Wisconsin-Madison

Session Manager

• A. M. LaVey, New York Public Library