This course is built on content and task based principles which means that current and authentic materials constitute its backbone. These materials will be analyzed and explored collectively. The instructional approach will involve the integration of skills, meaning that students will be able to listen, read, speak, and write in every instructional hour. It is expected that all students participate actively in all discussions, going beyond the facts of Russia-related topics and stating and supporting opinions. Activity formats will be such that will allow debating and hypothesizing. As one of the course requirements, students will make end-of-semester presentations on a topic chosen from among those covered in the course of the semester.