Students will be working with authentic Russian language materials from electronic sources in Russia and CIS. The course work has two distinct goals: (1) to expand the vocabulary related to politics, sociology, and security, as well as the ability to read, translate, and analyze primary information sources; and (2) to introduce the variety of interpretations of current political, social, and security trends in the Russian media and government discourse on contemporary subjects. Students will engage in vocabulary-expanding exercises, review of advanced grammar rules, individual and group presentations, writing and speaking assignments related to the most acute issues facing Russian society today.