Class theme/topics discussed:
Protests/demonstrations in Russia.

How did you pick this theme or topic?
Some students seem to be interested more in politics, so I am trying to keep the balance. Moreover, this discussion provides students with important cultural knowledge.

Group discussion, handouts, video.

How did students react?
It was not the most lively class, but they participated and they definitely learned new things about Russia. They talked a lot and seemed to like it.
Did they engage with each other and you?

Handouts, videos, laptop, tv screen.
Please attach a copy.
Lesson 4_Sept 9_Protests Presentation
Lesson 4_Sept 9_Video 1 _Стратегия 31 в Москве_
Lesson 4_Sept 9_Strategiya 31 TEXT
Lesson 4_Sept 9_Video Questions

Yes, I would. It provides knowledge about the current events in Russia and gives students a chance to shape their own opinions on these issues. Probably additional questions for the discussion should be designed in order to facilitate participation. The language in the videos may be too challenging for the students, so suggest substantial guidelines and vocabulary from the task! (I offered only guidelines and SOME vocabulary, which apparently was not enough. So work with the texts/vocab from the videos more.)

Advanced Conversation
Lesson 4
September 9, 2010

1. News of the day.

2. PowerPoint Presentation – show the slides one by one, and each time ask students what they see in the picture, what it could be, what its meaning is, etc.
Lesson 4_Sept 9_Protests Presentation

3. Distribute the text Стратегия 31 — Lesson 4_Sept 9_Strategiya 31 TEXT — read the abstract together, then assign roles to students – each reads comments from one person, then retells. Tell them about the people who are commenting (those who are known) – who they are, why they are famous, what happened to them.

4. Introduce the videos that they are going to see. Distribute handouts with questions about the videos, look them through to make sure students understand them and remember. (handout Lesson 4_Sept 9_Video Questions)

5. Watching the videos (they are on Sakai)

6. Working with the questions. Students’ general impression/ feedback on what they’ve just seen. Compare the culture of demonstrations/ protest in Russia and in the US.