Williams, Veronika A | Department of Russian and Slavic Studies

vaw@arizona.edu

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Williams, Veronika A

Assistant Professor

Dr. Veronika Williams received her Ph.D. in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching in 2016 and her MA in Russian Studies in 2010 from the University of Arizona. Her doctoral research focuses on learner autonomy in language learning; specifically, the effectiveness and the benefits of targeted learner autonomy training for language learners. Other areas of interest include methodology in Russian language teaching, intercultural competence, and intersection of Russian language and culture. Recently, Dr. Williams worked on cultural aspects of Russian rap.

In addition to teaching at the department, Dr. Williams serves as a Director of the Russian Basic Language Program and works closely with Graduate Teaching Assistants to ensure excellence in Russian language teaching.

Courses Taught
RSSS 101 and 102 - Elementary Russian I and II
RSSS 150 B1 - Eastern European Cinema in a Social Context
RSSS 150 B2 - Multicultural Russia
RSSS 160 C2 - Contemporary Russia in a Historical and Global Context
RSSS 210 - Utopian Visions
RSSS 301 and 302 - Advanced Grammar and Composition I and II
RSSS 306 - Russian Rap
RSSS 308 - Communicating in a Cultural Context
RSSS 315 - Vampires and Werewolves: Slavic and East European Folklore in Our Culture
RSSS 415 / 515 - Advanced Topics: Structure of Russian

Currently Teaching

RSSS 102 – Elementary Russian II

For the student with some knowledge of Russian.

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For the student with some knowledge of Russian.

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RSSS 202 – Intermediate Russian II

Fourth semester Russian.

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RSSS 306 – Russian Rap from Love and Sex to Propaganda and Protest

Russian Rap introduces students to a more recent history of the Russian Federation and various political, social, and cultural changes through exploration of the development and rise of Hip Hop culture within a newly reshaped country. In particular, the focus is on the global phenomenon of rap music and Hip Hop as it enters and adapts to local contexts in Russia. Beginning with an overview of Russian history up to the collapse of the Soviet Union, the course spans over near four decades of Russian history and a way of life of modern Russians (1990s - present). Students will engage in exploration of Russian rap music from a variety of prominent musicians, as well as analysis of their significance from socio-political and cultural perspectives. Particular emphasis is on a comparison between rap within Russian and American contexts as well as connecting it to an idea of Hip Hop as a global phenomenon. As an outcome, students should develop an understanding of recent Russian history and culture along with an ability and tools for understanding how musical artifacts represent historical, societal, and cultural changes and aspects of the region.

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RSSS 101 – Elementary Russian I

For the student with no previous experience in Russian.

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