This Russian 1 course is designed for one year of high school foreign language credit. The textbook presents the basics of Russian language as spoken in Russia and other Russian-speaking countries and communities. Students will learn the alphabet, pronunciation, greetings, verb conjugation, vocabulary, and grammar. This course will also open up a new world of exposure to a language and culture that is unfamiliar to many in the hopes of spurring on further study of the language and possible mission work. Students will develop a beginning reading and conversational ability. The emphasis will be on communication. Students should have a basic understanding of English grammar, preferably through seventh grade, before beginning this course (students with a knowledge of Latin will be pleasantly surprised by the similarities). The in-class portion of this course will focus on conversation practice, solidification of grammar concepts, and cultural aspects. There will be approximately 3-3 1/2 hours of homework to preview and review concepts addressed in class. Completing the homework and class participation are essential for success in the course.